Paula Strawn is an artist with a difference. The painter creates her works of art on a special kind of canvas – corrective helmets for infants.
The Californian painter adds her own touch of colour to the protective headwear, with beautiful designs adapting the helmet into a work of art.
Corrective helmets are used to treat flat-head sydrome – a common condition in which infants’ heads appear flat. Taking out her paintbrush, Strawn uses her skills to turn these into positive talking points.
Originally asked by a friend to paint her granddaughter’s helment, Strawn used the opportunity to give the baby a new identity- as a pilot!
Image via Huffington Post
Amongst her creations to date are art inspired helmets like Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night, childhood favourite story characters like The Hungry Caterpillar, seasonal themes as well as Hello Kitty, Spiderman and Snoopy.
Strawn now paints custom design helmets requested from parents, and uses her creativity to help families have some fun while they wait for treatment to be complete.
Posting a collection of her work on her website, Strawn says:
“I truly believe that a fun and friendly design on these very useful yet unattractive helmets is an attitude changer for all who come in contact with baby. Plus, who am I kidding? I have a blast painting them.”
With over 1,300 helmets to choose from, we’ve picked our favourites from her artwork to date.
Images via Lazardo Art
