White Ella Project

 The White Ella Project is created by Aqua Yost after traveling to Africa in December of 2006. The AIDS and children’s health situation in Africa is devastating. However, only after traveling through Zimbabwe and Zambia did Aqua become acutely aware of the urgency of the situation. She didn’t know how, but she knew that she wanted to help.Living from paycheck to paycheck, she knew she couldn’t donate money. Everyday she pondered over how she could personally contribute in a meaningful way.Moved by the beauty of the continent and its people and inspired by the Red Campaign, Aqua decided to create a series of paintings to raise at least one million dollars. She would auction them off and give everything to the trustworthy organization to provide children's health and AIDS relief.The White Ella paintings focus on two images of Africa personally significant to Aqua.Witnessing the blood red sunsets of the continent, she felt they communicated the urgency of the situation and reminded her that everyone on this planet shares the same sky. This is everyone’s problem. Second, after coming face-to-face with a wild majestic African elephant, she became obsessed with the elephant in the room. This is everyone’s problem.Aqua began a series of fasts (10 days, 21 days, 10 days, and 71 days) while she painted the canvases. Consuming only the nutrients required to sustain her health (juice and a few supplements), she put her food money toward art supplies. This personal journey kept the urgency of the situation at the forefront of her mind, helping her stay motivated and focused. More importantly, by drinking only what she needs, Aqua wants to raise the world’s awareness of people dying from malnutrition all over the world—from Africa to America. “The difference is, in America, people choose to eat unhealthy; in Africa, they don’t have an option.”While Aqua continues to paint and carry out the intention of her project she has come to the most important part of White Ella Project-communicating awareness and hopefully inspire people to ask themselves what can they personally contribute-time, money, art, voice, influence. What can you do?Simply by reading this story and sharing it with others, you have contributed to the White Ella Project.