Origin
HOPE LIVES originated as “Hope is Real”, a message I placed on a wristband I made for a young family member of mine who was going through much hardship.
Concerned for this loved one and sad to see him in pain, I wanted to do something to lift his spirit. I then created a wristband that glowed-in-the-dark so that amid his tears at night he could look at his wrist and see the lit up message “Hope is Real.”
I did what I could to help. I also prayed with him and encouraged him to persist on, pointing him to the hope of a better day.
Not everything improved suddenly, and over time new challenges arose. However I’m thankful for what has improved and hopeful for continued progress. Most importantly, I’m grateful to embrace my loved and see him smile whenever we reconnect.
At some point later for simplicity I summarized the message “Hope is Real” to “Hope Lives.” I also started sharing the message to a larger audience, recognizing its universal relevance in this world laden with hurt and pain.
Today in addition to being a message, I see HOPE LIVES as a way to:
- Encourage & support people amid life’s challenges
- Listen to one another’s story
- Build community through human-to-human connection
- Inspire creativity & service
I invite you to join HOPE LIVES in this journey. Thanks for being part of our story. 🙏
– Edgar Burgara, founder
Style & Philosophy
HOPE LIVES’ style & philosophy is reflective of people’s individual and collective journey. The textured edges of the Hope Lives aesthetic highlights life’s contours and rugged aspects while reflecting the Californian-graffiti aesthetics that influenced HOPE LIVES’ letters.
Vision
HL aims to facilitate:
in the individual sphere
– Expression
– Reflection
– Empowerment
– Healing
in the collective sphere
– Inclusion
– Community
– Justice
– Reconciliation
Values
HL’s creative exploration values:
A) People
B) Authenticity
C) Context (including influences and circumstances)
D) All voices