Melissa LaBozzetta, an Italian-Australian artist based in Melbourne, becomes a new Global Ambassador for the Non-Violence Project Foundation (NVPF) supporting unique educational programs to prevent and reduce violence around the world. She joins other fellow Non-Violence Ambassadors for Peace: Yoko Ono, Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Ringo Starr, Lionel Messi, Johan Ernst Nilson, Kunal Sood, Beatrice Fihn, Patrizia Gucci, Oona Chaplin and many others.
As a Non-Violence Ambassador Melissa has designed her own Knotted Gun sculpture, originally created by Swedish artist Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd as a symbol of peace in tribute to his friend John Lennon’s death.
Best known for her life drawings and abstract pieces, Melissa has named her sculpture Ocean of Love. The three-dimensional sculpture waspainted with blues representing an ocean of trust, loyalty, sincerity, wisdom, confidence, and faith. The gold, which represents the countries worldwide, is also interpreted as the master healer.
On February 14, 2020 the replicas of Ocean of Love sculpture will be launched and available soon after in prominent international galleries (including the Saatchi Gallery) to purchase and raise money for the Non-Violence Project Foundation. The funds will help the Foundation’s work since 1993 in educating and raising awareness around the world on the benefits of resolving conflicts peacefully.
“I'm hopeful that my sculpture moves people. I am also hopeful that this incredible piece starts a conversation that spreads love and resonates with people - the more we talk and communicate the message of hope and peace, the better we will be,” she added.
Jan Hellman, Co-Founder of NVP, declared “We are thrilled that our partnership with such a great artist and woman as Melissa La Bozzetta has become even stronger after our collaboration in 2018. By becoming a global Ambassador for Peace Melissa is showing that we share the same values and we cherish the same cause which is preventing and reducing violence through education. Since 1993 the foundation has trained more than 8 million people in the world and we are proud that Melissa’s engagement will help us to continue by bringing solutions in conflict management without resorting to violence.”
The Knotted Gun sculpture “Ocean of Love” will be available on the international market in a limited edition. Buying our limited edition sculptures, part of the revenues goes to the Non-Violence Project and will contribute to social change and bring more peace to the world.
For more information and pre-orders please contact: info@nonviolenceartproject.com
