My current series, Hands Off Our Children!, is self-explanatory.

The art pieces that I create for this series have multiple layers of paint, markers, various reclaimed objects including existentialist literature, chocolate wrapping paper and yarn. I freely used my fingers, brushes and palette knives. Present in this whole series are four elements of significance:  a touch of gold along with yarn, recycled chocolate wraps and printed pages from Albert Camus's literary work. To me, the vibrancy found in this series represents healthy childhood with all that it entails such as joyful thoughts, carefree attitude, happiness and wonder. The golden element underlines children's value. The chocolate wraps and yarn emphasize children's innocence while Camus's philosophy represents the silent suffering of children worldwide and the significance of protecting minors from diseased souls and traumatic experiences.

Hands Off Our Children! represents my commitment to raise awareness about the multifaceted criminal campaign launched against children.

Otilia V. Gaidos