Tucson Artist David Hamilton Honors Warrior Spirit of Beads of Courage Recipients with Inspiring Sculpture Donation
For more than 20 years, Beads of Courage, a Tucson-based nonprofit organization, has boldly pursued our mission to make every day brighter for children receiving treatment for cancer and other serious illnesses. Beads of Courage programs utilize the healing power of art to support children on every step of their treatment journey in more than 400 pediatric hospitals around the world.
Every Beads of Courage program incorporates the use of beads, the oldest art form known to humans, as meaningful symbols of courage and resilience, helping children stay encouraged and empowered in their fight for life. Children in the Beads of Courage program are often described by friends, family, and caregivers as “bead warriors,” a testament to their awe-inspiring bravery, perseverance, and sheer will to live.
Recently, Beads of Courage became the grateful recipient of a generous donation from talented Tucson artist and sculptor David Hamilton (www.davidhamiltonart.com), who creates original art pieces from repurposed materials found in the Southwest that are part of the region’s history and legacy.
The sculpture’s name?
Warrior Spirit.
Through what might be considered a coincidence, or maybe something deeper, the sculpture already bore the name Warrior Spirit before David chose to gift it to Beads of Courage.
David was moved by the mission of Beads of Courage after learning about it from his fiancée, philanthropist Janine du Plessis. “I am inspired by how strong the kids are as they go through the [treatment] process. How can you not empathize with that? It’s a scary thing. You’ve got to be strong, and you’ve got to have some people behind you. I’m very humbled and very honored just to be there.”
Standing about seven feet tall, Warrior Spirit is a visually commanding piece, with a head reminiscent of the blazing desert sun, a colorful torso incorporating vivid stained glass, a wire-wrapped turquoise heart, and a sturdy base. A collaboration with Tucson glass artist Nanette Charif added arms made of authentic Beads of Courage beads, just like the ones children in the program receive to chronicle their treatment journey and honor their courage.
The warrior essence radiates from the sculpture effortlessly.
“This is actually one of my favorite pieces,” said David. “The children are responding to it because it’s a warrior. I’m excited to see that my piece has moved and helped families battling cancer. It’s been so cool for me and I’m really honored.”
Before moving to Tucson, Hamilton’s wide-ranging background included acting, modeling, photography and more. He has provided art for the famed Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan and studied acting with world-renowned teacher Stella Adler and at the Beverly Hills Playhouse. He has appeared in feature films with Mark Ruffalo, Kathleen Noone and Stevie Nicks, and as a model in Cosmopolitan and GQ magazines, as well as in numerous advertising campaigns. Along with his art pursuits, he is passionate about competitive off-road racing.
When you visit David Hamilton’s website, you’ll be met with a quote from his former acting instructor, Stella Adler, which epitomizes his philosophy as an artist and attests to his kindness and generosity: “Art is the uplifting of humanity.”
Beads of Courage is incredibly grateful for David’s uplifting Warrior Spirit sculpture and the humanity behind it.
At our International Headquarters, Warrior Spirit will stand in a place of honor as a sentinel near our Bead Pharmacy, where beads are thoughtfully assembled to help children and teens record, tell, and own their stories of courage.
The sculpture will also become part of a new donor recognition at Beads of Courage, honoring both the brave kids whose courage is represented by their beads and the generous supporters who choose to Be Warriors for Brave Kids by helping provide beads for children coping with cancer and other serious illnesses.
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