Bella’s Glow, Art that Heals
The Signature Gallery Laguna Beach was fortunate enough to facilitate a relationship between one of our artists, Joelle Blouin, and a collector mature beyond her years at just 13 years of age, Bella.
In November of 2008, Bella was diagnosed with Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), a rare autoimmune/blood disorder. Antibodies, which are supposed to attack infections, instead mistakenly destroy platelets that help blood clot, which stops bleeding.
Usually, a person has a platelet count of 150,000 to 400,000. As of this moment, Bella has zero platelets. During the last 11 years, she has been hospitalized many times and continues to routinely be seen by experts in the field of hematology.
Due to ITP, Bella has been unable to participate in any sports or physical education. As a result, her interests lie elsewhere. She loves to read, and she adores art.
She felt a strong connection to Joelle Blouin’s work the minute she saw it in our Laguna Beach location. So much so, that Bella’s parents commissioned Joelle to paint a personalized abstraction of hope and strength that encapsulates “Bella’s Glow”.
Joelle, personally touched by this young woman’s bravery and inner-strength took it upon herself to create a depiction of not only the vibrancy Bella holds within her soul but a combination of the different “tints and shades” life has to offer so Bella can enjoy this painting for years to come.
After pouring her own heart and soul into this piece, Joelle made a surprise appearance at the unveiling of the commissioned art piece to Bella in the Laguna Beach art gallery. It was a moment that everyone in the viewing room will remember forever.
Though there is no known cure for Immune Thrombocytopenia, Bella remains positive, brave, and optimistic. She will always have hope and continue planning for the bright future she has ahead of her.
Joelle’s piece will be proudly displayed in Bella’s room where she can see it. It will remind her she has her “Glow” and that everyone she comes into contact with is given the feeling she gets from that piece, every day.
