William Dagiantis and Russell Muits
The Story
William Dagiantis
Chicago, IL
Caregiver to mother with stage 4 lung and neuroendocrine carcinoma
Twist on Cancer: I can't imagine going through it without my Imerman Angels Caregiver Mentor, Joy Brewster. The emotional and psychosocial support was the only thing that helped me at the time and throughout my continued grief journey.
I feel grateful for being paired with Russell. While I never imagined creating an art installation, as soon as I learned about Russell's passion for creating art on overlooked objects in the street, the ideas started flowing between us. Russell let me know that there was a cover right outside Imerman Angel's office and, from that moment on, a collaboration happened between two strangers who became friends through this process. Working on the art installation, outside of Imerman Angels office, together with Russell was therapeutic. I love both the print and the street art installation we created during this Brushes journey.
Caregiver to mother with stage 4 lung and neuroendocrine carcinoma
Twist on Cancer: I can't imagine going through it without my Imerman Angels Caregiver Mentor, Joy Brewster. The emotional and psychosocial support was the only thing that helped me at the time and throughout my continued grief journey.
I feel grateful for being paired with Russell. While I never imagined creating an art installation, as soon as I learned about Russell's passion for creating art on overlooked objects in the street, the ideas started flowing between us. Russell let me know that there was a cover right outside Imerman Angel's office and, from that moment on, a collaboration happened between two strangers who became friends through this process. Working on the art installation, outside of Imerman Angels office, together with Russell was therapeutic. I love both the print and the street art installation we created during this Brushes journey.
Russell Muits
Evanston, IL
Social Media: @stormprintcity
"Not Alone"
Mixed media on canvas
36” x 32” 1.5”
$900
Artist Statement: My art has been about capturing moments of time, place, and space. Using water-based block printing ink and raw canvas, I create relief prints from overlooked objects in the street—sewer covers, storm drains, transit boxes, tree grates, and other bits of metal. The colors and compositions are inspired by that location, a person I shared time with, or by a meaningful event. The prints and the art become tangible memories of all of those things holding great sentimental value.
My initial thought was to make a piece of art at a location that meant a great deal to Will. During our first meeting, it was apparent how much gratitude he had for Imerman Angels. He has spent a lot of time at their offices in Halsted and Armitage. They gave him love, support, and guidance when he needed it most. The first time I went there alone, I couldn’t help but imagine Will’s time spent in that same place. It’s an indescribable feeling. I wanted to make sure this project was a positive thing for him. After more discussion, we ended up collaborating on the concept, design, and message, eventually creating the final piece together. We spent three mornings on that corner—sharing coffee, conversations, and laughs while painting and thoroughly enjoying our time together. Most importantly, Will got to leave a thank you to the people he calls angels. … And I got to meet a new friend.
Social Media: @stormprintcity
"Not Alone"
Mixed media on canvas
36” x 32” 1.5”
$900
Artist Statement: My art has been about capturing moments of time, place, and space. Using water-based block printing ink and raw canvas, I create relief prints from overlooked objects in the street—sewer covers, storm drains, transit boxes, tree grates, and other bits of metal. The colors and compositions are inspired by that location, a person I shared time with, or by a meaningful event. The prints and the art become tangible memories of all of those things holding great sentimental value.
My initial thought was to make a piece of art at a location that meant a great deal to Will. During our first meeting, it was apparent how much gratitude he had for Imerman Angels. He has spent a lot of time at their offices in Halsted and Armitage. They gave him love, support, and guidance when he needed it most. The first time I went there alone, I couldn’t help but imagine Will’s time spent in that same place. It’s an indescribable feeling. I wanted to make sure this project was a positive thing for him. After more discussion, we ended up collaborating on the concept, design, and message, eventually creating the final piece together. We spent three mornings on that corner—sharing coffee, conversations, and laughs while painting and thoroughly enjoying our time together. Most importantly, Will got to leave a thank you to the people he calls angels. … And I got to meet a new friend.