It's said every picture tells a story; this week's Everyday Hero paints pictures to help rewrite the story of someone in need.
The artwork of Yani Torres is much more than swirl of color, dimension and image.
Each brush stroke transforms the canvas, reflecting the transition of an artist who has experienced pain ranging from domestic abuse and homelessness.
“You know, I see their heart, I know their pain and I want to be able to help them now that I've gone through that experience, I can definitely relate,” Torres said.
Raised in poverty, Yani relied on the generosity of others to regain her personal and professional footing as an artist. But she also donates artwork to be auctioned off for benefit groups like Rethink Homelessness.
“So when I know that I'm making something like I did for Rethink Homelessness, it is bringing awareness. But when people see I am actively working within the homeless community and that I'm not just bringing awareness but both those things, then it inspires them to go out and do the same thing.”
A common theme seen in Yani's work is a heart and a seed.
“The vision that I got, and within minutes of praying, was that seed, turning into a tree where the branches are the shapes of houses. So this particular painting is meant to not just to bring awareness but to help them into homes,” she said.
Yani creates more than single pictures; magnet art she creates helps encourage donations at charity events. But she also donates her time to volunteer. That's where it becomes part of the bigger picture, one that is Yani using all of her talents to give back.
“Having that artistic freedom and do so is great, but really what it comes down to my prayer process. Everything I paint is a process of prayer and then I just ask for the Lord to give me the vision and you know what comes out there is something they have grabbed onto and appreciated.”
Yani has also created donated works for Harbor House, Give Kids The World, Catholic Charities, Libby's Legacy and Habitat for Humanity.