This artist, serving in the Territorial Army, speaks on how his art influences his experience in the war surroundings. Through his art, he is distanced with the reality of the surroundings, reflecting on what is happening around him and making connections through history. By studying everyday life in the area, he achieves contrasting emotions through his work. View the link to see his work and hear him speak about his work and experience Join discussion...

In the past, the men and women chosen to act as the UN goodwill ambassador have been big shots such as Audrey Hepburn and George Clooney. However, the latest appointment to the post is not a famed actor but instead a (semi-famed) fine artist. Ross Bleckner, whose work is mainly abstract, has been chosen by Simone Monasebien, chief of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, to represent the "ceremonial post". Earlier this year, Bleckner, 59, packed thousands of dollars worth of paint, brushes, and paper to bring to Gulu, an area of Uganda. There, he worked with former child soldiers and other abductees of the Lord's Resistance Army. The children (aged 11 to 19) created over 200 paintings that will be soon be sold at a benefit. Bleckner plans to return to the area next year to enlarge the project. He hopes to bring increasing attention to the huge problem of child enslavement and trafficking. Bleckner has said that he believes the project is another way to begin to restore their "dignity and sense of self-worth". Join discussion...