In 1999 Vijali began the second World Wheel, Global Peace Through the Arts, which circles the planet. Below is a description of one of the 12 sites from the second World Wheel circle. For more information about the second World Wheel project, see the Second World Wheel page.
When I came to LA and heard there were more than 14,000 youth that live on the streets, under bridges, or on the beaches, I knew this was one of the locations I wanted the World Wheel to focus in the United States.
I began the first of December 2008 because I was so uncomfortable thinking of these kids out in the cold and rain. During those winter days I started going to the beaches to give out blankets, sleeping bags and food. I started volunteering at the Ocean Park Community Center location in Santa Monica and brought in my stones and tools to teach sculpture–something to inspire and honor the soul.
The World Wheel Project now has a team of seven professional people in the various fields of art who are teaching the youth, or contributing to some aspect of the project. Markell Brooks in ceramics and Mary Wright in painting have kept the classes going while I have been away. Currently I am focused on interviewing the youth to catch their passion about life, with my video camera.
I have been inspired by these youth who have refused to live in a society that does not support their spirit. They are searching for a new way of life with meaning. Most come from broken homes, abuse, rape from family members, or hiding from the police who are not helping the situation. By the time the youths are 19 years old, most have a police record. This prevents these bright, innovated young adults from being hired.
I am looking for a location to create an environmental stone sculpture with the youth, to make it their place. If anyone has ideas of land in the greater LA area, please let me know.
NOTES AND PHOTO CREDITS
Banner:
Photo by Vijali Hamilton — Woman Made of the Comos in Tinos, Greece
Photo by Vijali Hamiton — Spirit Within Matter III in Castle Valley, Utah
All photos by unknown.
