When was the last time you took a moment to be in the moment?
The world is filled with so much chaos embedded in our busy lives. So often people get stuck in the monotony of their routines trying to complete their to-do list- they miss seeing the beauty that comes from the simple things right in front of them.
Andy Mast a 33-year-old artist from Belle Rive, IL, a small town just 10 miles east of Mt. Vernon, IL, was inspired by the power of these moments many of us miss. “If I could describe my art in one word it would be ‘simplicity,’ said Mast. “One small, kind gesture can make a huge impact on the lives of others. With my work, I capture the tenderness of the simple moments.”
Hanging on the 2nd floor at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon is a piece titled “Moment of Bliss,” hand-drawn by Andy Mast. This pencil drawing depicts a young boy at a stable gently kissing a horse on its forehead. Mast donated this piece to Good Samaritan Hospital to bring courage, peace, and hope to the lives of people who see it, especially those who are suffering and brokenhearted.
Mast is familiar with these feelings. At 17 years old, Mast suffered from a traumatic brain injury that occurred while working with a 2-year-old horse on his family’s horse farm in Southern Illinois. Mast was found unconscious and was rushed to SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital’s Emergency Room where he was then flown to SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital in St. Louis for treatment. “I was unconscious for 48 hours. After the accident, my ability to draw was severely limited and at the time I thought my art career was over,” recalled the artist. For Mast, this threat to his passion caused him to suffer depression and anxiety during his healing process.
Through his healing journey, Mast found hope and encouragement in art. Although he couldn’t pick up the pencil again, immediately. He admired the work of other artists from afar. “It was that carrot dangled in front of me,” recited Mass as he explained how art was his therapy to heal mentally, physically, and spiritually. What Mast thought was the end of his art career ended up being the birth of a new beginning with an even deeper purpose. Mast explained, “My vision and mission came after the accident. Through my own experience, I am familiar with the healing power that comes through art. I desire to inspire the patients and their families that pass through the doors at Good Samaritan Hospital.”
“So often, our patients and families are experiencing very stressful situations and Andy’s beautiful artwork inspires hope and peace," said Kay Zibby-Damron, SSM Health Illinois Foundation Director. “We are very grateful Andy chose to donate “Moment of Bliss” - his gift furthers our mission of revealing the healing power of Jesus Christ.” SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital has been a vital part of caring for the people in our community for more than 100 years. Donations ensure the continuation of the mission to provide the best possible health care to all the people in our community. To learn more about giving opportunities please visit www.givetossmhealth/GoodSamartian or email GS_ILfoundation@ssmhealth.com.
