J★:These children have very very little to look forward to.The Burmese civil war has been going on for decades there is no indication that it will end anytime soon. And with them now in Thailand, they aren’t considered citizens of that country so they live in refugee camps along the border, beside large trash fields where they hopefully can find recyclables and the such to earn a meager living.

 WB: So they are just kind of pushed to the side and left to fend for themselves?

 J★: Basically, yes. Without the help of organizations like Spinning Top, it would be a much more dire situation. We go there, help the children through the use of these mediums, do some cool projects and then bring back the art work for sale to help raise money for the cause. With that money, it can be used to create ecosystems like gardens, clean water systems to prevent disease, and buy animals like goats that could feed a family. Yeah, this isn’t about just giving them money. This is a representation of the adage “…teach a man to fish” If we can participate in high-awareness programs like this, and then raise money through the sale of art, give them the money to use on sustainable solutions – we can empower a whole communities of people and encourage them to become self sufficient while they await the situation in their home country to resolve.

The public will get to see what is going on once the documentary is finished. 

WB: That’s pretty incredible that you guys are taking it to a new level this year. While inspiring them and giving them a hope with creating art, you are turning that into “quantifiable change” and spreading that creativity across the globe to raise funds.

 J★: Yes! Exactly. It is important that we take a moment to think about that. I was very blessed from a young age, my parents were supportive I had a propensity towards art, and to go from having my stuff hung on the fridge door to where I am now, it’s a bit surreal 

WB: That’s such a rad and humbling way to look at it.

J★: And now to think that we can change the lives of some people that are in real dire need? Crazy! Yeah, it’s a blessing. I know it sounds kinda hokey but really, when you think about this scene, how it’s about making cool things, and having people love them enough to buy? We’re really fortunate.

Full interview here.