About Unmasking Good
We're excited to announce the launch of the Unmasking Good limited edition Dan Eldon mask collection. During COVID times, these masks, inspired by Dan's art, embody his vibrant spirit, and remind us how important it is to unmask good in the world - while keeping ourselves and those around us protected.
My son Dan loved masks. Dan used his favorite mask, (of a scary old man), to make friends with refugee children at a camp in Malawi. With the roof of Deziree, his ancient Land Rover, as a stage and a blanket as his curtain, Dan made magic. By pulling away the cover, he would reveal not a child, but an old man waving his hands in the air. There was an audible gasp from the onlookers crowded around the vehicle. At first, they were shocked by the transformation, but they soon roared their approval and saw Dan not as a Mzungu –– a white man to be feared –– but as a new friend.
That same mask may have saved his life. When a group of young Somalis, armed with AK-47's, confronted Dan and his journalist friends, Dan pulled the mask out of his pocket, slipped it on and danced around the young men. At first, there was silence, then raised eyebrows, and finally, peals of laughter as the young men danced with him. "You could have got us killed," one of the other journalists muttered. But in truth, it was probably his antics that kept them from being shot.
All proceeds support Creative Visions programs and services that empower impact media makers -- storytellers using art, media, education and technology to drive positive social change and inspire action. Please learn more about how you can get involved at creativevisions.org
With our warmest wishes (and please wear a mask),
Kathy and Amy
Our heart-felt thanks go to Jason Bleick, creator of the Dan Eldon Unmasking Good line. Jason knows Dan's art well, having designed the stunning Dan Eldon tee shirt line with Marc Weintraub that launched to great acclaim at Nordstrom.
Jason's career includes roles as VP of Design and Creative Director for Quicksilver, Founder of his own popular EVER travel-inspired brand and Creative Director of Analog (owned by Burton Snowboards.) Jason now oversees his own branding and design agency, C.I.A., Creative Insight Agency. His prestigious clients include Nike, This Bar Saves, Whole Foods, Ron Herman, DEUS and Supervinyl. And Creative Visions! C.I.A. can be found on Instagram at: cia_losangeles
Dan Eldon: Dan was an artist and photojournalist who was 22-years-old when he was killed in Somalia while working for Reuters News Agency. Following his death, his family discovered 20 journals filled with collages documenting his journeys to more than 40 countries. His art inspired his mother and sister to launch Creative Visions, to celebrate the concept of "creative activism." You can learn more about Dan through the bestselling collection of his journals, "The Journey is the Destination," a feature film by the same name directed by Bronwen Hughes, now available on Netflix.
Learn more about Dan: daneldon.org
To purchase numbered fine-art prints of Dan's collages and photographs, please visit: daneldoncollection.com
Creative Visions: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and United Nations NGO (Nongovernmental Organization), Creative Visions creates impact media, supports storytellers and empowers education and youth around human rights issues. We manage a powerful network of activists, artists, filmmakers, advisors and organizations. Our mission is to create a more just, caring and sustainable world through the power of media, art, technology and education.
For more information about bulk purchases or fine art prints, please contact alicia.dougherty@creativevisions.org
Details
Fabric: The fabric is a ‘plated’ jersey knit construction (not woven). This meaning that the (2) layers are ‘knit’ together. The top layer is 100% polyester. To achieve the ‘crisp’ print in multicolor with a soft ‘hand-feel’ this is the best way to go. The bottom layer is 100% cotton jersey knit, similar to what would be used on a T-shirt.
Printing: The printing technique is called ’sublimation’. Sublimation is a process that does not use screens. It’s a heat transfer process where the ink bonds directly to the fibers leaving a super soft hand-feel where you cannot feel the ink treatment like a silk screen.