ABOUT ME

"As a proud Marine and Veteran of the Global War on Terror, my journey has been deeply shaped by my service. Art became my therapy, a way to process my experiences, express emotions and connect with fellow Veterans. Through my work at TjDesignLab, I aim to share how creativity has transformed my identity, offering a therapeutic outlet that enriches my mood and brings deeper meaning to my life. A proud father of three and a devoted son and brother, I understand the importance of family and consider my fellow Veterans and their supporters to be part of mine. Here, I invite you to explore the unique commemorative pieces I create, each reflecting personal narratives and a celebration of military service. My mission is to channel my emotions into meaningful art to inspire Veterans and their caregivers to embrace creative expression as a therapeutic tool for healing, resilience and personal growth. "

-Thomas J Tribou

SSgt/USMC/Retired

Art Therapy

Art therapy is a form of mental health treatment that uses the creative process of making art to help people express emotions, process experiences, reduce stress, and improve psychological well-being. The focus isn't on creating "good" art—it's on using art as a tool for healing, self-discovery, and communication. People often find it difficult to put complex emotions into words. Drawing, painting, sculpting, collage, or other creative activities can provide another way to explore thoughts and feelings that might otherwise remain unspoken. An art therapist helps guide that process by asking questions, encouraging reflection, and helping the individual find meaning in their work when appropriate.

Art for Veterans

For many Veterans, art therapy offers a way to process experiences that can be difficult to describe. Creating art can help reduce hypervigilance, improve emotional regulation, build a sense of purpose, and reconnect with parts of themselves outside of military service.

Many Veterans find that painting, drawing, woodworking, metalwork, or other creative practices provide:

A sense of calm and focus.
A healthy outlet for emotions.
Opportunities for reflection and meaning-making.
Connection with other Veterans through shared creative experiences.
Increased confidence through completing meaningful projects.

Processing Imagery

Long before I ever put a brush to canvas, the healing process often begins while searching for reference images. I may spend hours looking through photographs, many of which I never paint. Each image has the potential to unlock a memory, a feeling, or a moment I haven't thought about in years.

As I search, I'm not just looking for a good composition—I'm reconnecting with experiences from my past. A particular expression, a piece of gear, a street, a building, or the quality of the light can immediately bring back memories of people, places, and events. Some images resonate deeply, while others remind me that I'm not ready to revisit that experience. Both reactions are valuable.

Choosing not to paint an image can be just as meaningful as deciding to paint one. Simply taking the time to pause, reflect, and understand why an image affects me allows me to process emotions that might otherwise remain buried. Sometimes the search leads to gratitude, sometimes to sadness, and sometimes to a renewed appreciation for the Marines and Sailors I served alongside.

When I finally settle on an image, I know it is one that has something to teach me. The photographs I pass over have still served a purpose—they helped me reflect, remember, and better understand my own experiences. The act of searching itself becomes part of the creative and healing process.

Over time, I've come to realize that every image I encounter contributes to the journey, whether it becomes a painting or not. The search encourages reflection, strengthens my connection to my memories, and helps me make sense of experiences that continue to shape who I am today.

Commemorative Art

I am not a licensed art therapist, but I am a strong advocate for the healing power of art. My focus is commemorative art—creating meaningful pieces that honor people, preserve memories, and tell stories. Through my own experience, I have discovered that the creative process can encourage reflection, emotional growth, and healing, and I hope my work inspires others to explore art as a positive outlet in their own lives.

For me, commemorative art is more than preserving history—it is a way of understanding it. Every painting is an opportunity to honor those who served, reflect on my own journey, and find purpose in experiences that continue to shape my life.