MARION, Ohio — Iraq U.S. Army Veteran Shawn Augustson, a Reynoldsburg resident, joined the military after 9/11 and served two years in Iraq.
“I try to be open about everything, in case you know, if I’m talking to somebody, maybe somebody else is going through that as well,” said Augustson.
These days, he’s a gallery-represented artist. He also fly fishes — both therapy for his Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
“At the time I didn’t know anything about PTSD, had a suicide attempt, and then from that, in the hospital having a hard time expressing what was going on,” said Augustson.
Augustson’s art career started with a magazine collage and has evolved over the years.
Augustson defines his art style as “Post Traumatic Expression,” which he explains is a lot of symbolism and reflection of what he’s feeling at that exact time.
The husband and father is also a volunteer for the Ohio branch of the nonprofit national group Project Healing Waters.
“It just gives me something to focus on rather than being all up here, focusing on the fly fishing, being outside, hearing the birds, feeling the wind,” he said.
Project Healing Waters Program Lead Jarod Klucho, a Marine veteran, said when many veterans get out of the military, they don’t always have the same structure or support system they once had.
Project Healing Waters’ mission is to forge that bond.
“So to be able to bring veterans together and build a community within our group has been very helpful for a lot of folks, especially with all the chaotic stuff that’s been in the news lately,” said Klucho.
For Augustson, he encourages other veterans returning home from military service to explore different avenues and don’t be afraid of trying something new.
“I think a lot of us tend to withdraw and stay inside and stay in our own mind and that can be unhealthy and lead to unhealthy things. Art or music, fly fishing, journaling, all those things I feel are good helpful outlets that are healthy,” said Augustson.
For more information on Project Healing Waters, click here.
Shawn Augustson’s work will be on display at New Albany’s Hayley Gallery starting Nov. 13 and you can follow his personal website here.
