The Aplomb Project Portrait Book

More than a collection of art and poetry, "The Aplomb Project Portraits" highlight the inspiring resilience and courage of trauma survivors in the form of contemporary oil paintings, accompanying stories and powerful poetry.

All proceeds go towards supporting The Aplomb Project's mission.

Download the e-books with a donation of $1, $5 or $10 or purchase the hard copy on lulu.com.

A powerful and inspiring collection

Inspirational Trauma Survivor Paintings, Poems, and Stories. Founding Edition 2021-2025 Collection. Paintings and book design by Danielle Festa
Contributions by Susanne Preble, Crystal Franklin, Jim Upton, Jenn Redding, Samantha McCoy, Lauren Gill, Nubia Wilson, Britney Lane, Aleka Munroe, Jai Mitchell, Spiridoula Politis, PSG Lopes, Lisa Breger, Cindy Snow, Dana Campbell, Ellie Maley, JeFF Stumpo, Sravya Kaniti, Jenny Tibbits, Lissa Curtis, Marwa Daftani, Josephine Anne Lauren, Mac McDonald, Donna Jenson, Shirkydra Roberts, Brian Evans-Jones, Maya Rothman, Nevin Brown, Deirdre Gavel, Emily Boucher, Katie Stuempfle, Jenna Stevens, and P.H. Crosby
Edited by Sarah Brown

Introduction

In 2020, my cousin Sue came to me with the truth of her childhood sexual assault. What felt like a tsunami of painful information was, for her, a release of long-held trauma. She finally allowed herself to accept support, gain confidence, and let go of the weight of this secret. I asked if I could paint the transformation I witnessed. It was cathartic for me to throw down ink like Jackson Pollock for the background and embroider gold and white threads to represent her strength. It was through this process that I came to understand the therapeutic power of art, both for myself and for others. I began painting old friends and making new ones while capturing their stories of resilience. This has since grown into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization called The Aplomb Project. When we began, I knew how important it was to make these portraits accessible without the financial barriers that often come with original oil paintings, but it has already become so much more. We are deeply driven to help each survivor find the support they need through our growing community. Many are not used to receiving this kind of encouragement. Hosting hybrid events allows us to stay connected across distances and provides options for survivors to participate in ways that feel safe and comfortable. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024, I was so grateful that the community we built was also there for me in my time of need. Collaboration is at the heart of the process. Everything from the reference photo and pose to the outfit, colors, shoot location, and even the music I play while painting is chosen by the survivor. It means the world to me that they trust me with their stories, and I carry that responsibility with care. Beyond receiving portraits survivors become part of a supportive community. This book features their stories of resilience alongside empowering, trauma-informed poetry. The narratives are intentionally written without graphic details, but take your time and make sure you are in a space to receive them. If you or someone you know has experienced trauma and are seeking support, visit theaplombproject.org/resources.

Danielle Festa
Executive Director and Artist

aplomb
[ uh-plom, uh-pluhm ]
noun
self-confidence, self-assurance and poise; especially under the most trying circumstances.

Sample pages: