Spreading smiles is his business
I have known Bren Bataclan for almost 30 years. He was my classmate during our graduate studies at the department of design at The Ohio State University, where he studied computer animation. His graduating thesis was an animation film based on Filipino folk tales.
Bren leaves paintings of smiles in high-traffic areas such as on benches in public parks . He began giving away paintings in public spaces with a note saying, “This painting is yours if you promise to smile at random people more often.” Since then, he has given away over 3,000 paintings in close to 80 different countries and to all 50 states in the U.S.
Today I received this message from Bren.
Dear Uday,
How are you? I spent the day in Maine reading your book of poems. First of all, I’d like to say how much I appreciate the overall look and feel of the book. The cover design is outstanding! It’s enigmatic and beautiful at the same time. The juxtaposition of the tree and window and how the composition is split — half front and the other, in the back — made me want to immediately explore what you wrote. The cover’s unexpected spread sure piqued my interest! And plus, the font choice is excellent. Meridien sure enhanced my reading experience. Yeah, I guess once a graphic designer is always a graphic designer (I haven’t practiced design since painting full time 17 years ago).
What I love most about your poems is that they are helping me cope with the challenges of Covid and the lockdown. I was able to relate to almost everything you expressed and I truly appreciate your optimism and honesty. You captured how I feel and how I want to be during and after the crisis (more compassionate, mindful and creative). I truly want to be a better person after the virus goes away.
Speaking about bettering oneself, like you, I have also been writing while social distancing. I am actually in the midst of creating my first graphic memoir. This is uncharted territory for me, my foray into comics. With this in mind, I especially love what you wrote below.
While reading this poem, I really thought you were speaking to me. I needed to read that portion over and over to further motivate me to complete the project and have my graphic novel be published (I know that this is a monumental task, I need all the help I can get).
Thank you very much for sending me a copy of your wonderful and inspiring book. Can I purchase additional copies for family and friends?
Be well my friend and keep up the amazing work! I am so glad that we have been in touch for close to 30 years.
Bren
Bren is a man of extraordinary talent and a noble purpose. It is an honor to be complimented by such a person who has made “putting a smile on every face” his mission. It is even a greater honor that he was able to sense my purpose: To nurture curiosity, compassion and creativity in every reader.
Thank you Bren.
