5 minute read
Stone’s secrets
By Deborah Allard Dion
They start out naked and dirty, but are soon transformed by imagination and paint into mini works of art meant to inspire a simple smile.
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Anyone can become a member of Kindred Rocks (or KROCKS), a local group that embellishes rocks with kind words, inspirational messages, and images – all hand-painted with love and left for others to find as they go about their day.
This global rock painting movement with home-grown chapters like KROCKS has become a mission of spreading kindness. A passion for its artists. And a respite from trying times. “
I feel like a kindness warrior when I leave a rock behind for someone to find,” said KROCKS member Beth Donovan. “I hope to inspire anyone who is struggling. We have all been through so much this past year.”
The premise of KROCKS is simple: rocks are painted and then “hidden,” often in plain sight. Kindness rocks turn up in parks, walking trails, nursing homes, hospitals, beaches, outside convenience stores and restaurants, and basically anywhere in the community.
On the back of each rock, members sign or label their work so finders can locate the artist and movement on Facebook.
Donovan said members “get excited” when the finder posts their rock on Facebook. The finder can keep the rock or hide it for someone else to find.
“My favorite part of hiding them is just waiting for the right moment or place that feels right with the affirmation on the rock,” said member Elizabeth Goulart Pacheco.
While rocks are placed in the community, members mainly paint solely and then meet on the KROCKS Facebook page to share their creations, where they have found friendship and support.
KROCKS founder Hope Robitaille started the Fall River-based group in August after painting in another group. She said she loves “everything about it.”
“The group started with sharing our creations with one another and quickly became us sharing our lives with one another,” Robitaille said. “We all encourage and support one another. It’s more than a Facebook group, it’s a family where we are all trying to spread kindness one rock at a time.”
Natural canvas
Many of the members have no artsy background, and often start by trying their hand with simple drawings and designs.
“We are our own worst critics,” Robitaille said. “I often hear people say that they are not an artist or they feel intimidated by some of the rocks they’ve seen online. I always encourage those individuals to let their creativity run wild and to post a pic and see for themselves the positive feedback they’ll receive.”
Robitaille enjoys painting movie and cartoon characters on her rocks. Pacheco gravitates toward nature and beach themed images. “My happy places,” she said.
Donovan’s favorite theme is mandalas, and she’s painted hundreds of intricate designs since the pandemic began nearly a year ago. Each design can take 30 to 90 minutes to complete. More intricate patterns may take her a day or two.
“I paint every night after my three-year-old goes to bed,” Donovan said.
She said she is “not an artist,” but simply practiced in her chosen theme. “If I can do it anyone can.” She said her New Year’s resolution is to improve her drawing skills by watching online tutorials.
“I love the symbolism: everything is connected,” Donovan said. “It’s a spiritual journey for me. I spend my time and energy creating mandalas and then they disappear into the world to connect with others. I need to use breathing exercises while I’m making them to steady my hand, so it’s therapeutic on many levels.”
Pacheco creates five to ten rocks per day and enjoys painting “every moment I have some free time.” She travels through her day with a “rocks survival kit” that includes a few naked rocks and some paint pens so she can create and inspire kindness anytime the mood strikes.
“I hope to inspire more random acts of kindness to unsuspecting residents and promote respect and consideration for others while being the light in what can sometimes be a dim world,” Pacheco said.
It’s not surprising that one of the themes most members enjoy creating are memorial rocks for loved ones who have passed on, and special rocks for grieving friends and family.
Many of the members enjoy creating rock art with their children as a family kindness project. “While we all have our own styles, each and every creation is a magnificent work of art,” Robitaille said. “The kindness rocks movement is for all ages and is a great, safe family activity.”
A major benefit to rock painting is the high personal reward and the low monetary cost. Donovan said supplies are “super inexpensive.” She said most of her paints cost roughly 99 cents each. “You can start making mandalas with Q-tips and pencil erasers. I did splurge on pens. They were about $40.”
Donovan said KROCKS has become a community where inspiration and support is abundant, which is especially needed during a time when so many are struggling. “If you want to get started, just start painting,” Donovan said. “Don’t think about it too much. Get some paint and a brush and let the rock speak to you.”
Thinking about becoming a kindness warrior? Here’s how to get started:
1. Join the “Kindred Rocks (KROCKS)” Facebook page (Other local groups can also be found on Facebook including Dream Rocks, SouthCoast Rocks, Bristol County Rocks, and Riva Rocks.)
2. Find some “naked” rocks of your chosen size and shape and give them a wash. Dry completely.
3. Purchase acrylic paints, paint brushes, pens, and markers. Nail polish (which has a built-in brush) can also be used. Stickers can be used in lieu of painting or drawing, or incorporated into the design.
4. Go wild and create!
5. On the back of your rock, write in the group name and Facebook page so finders can follow the group and post photos.
6. Seal rocks with Mod Podge or a like-sealant to preserve the design.
7. Spread kindness by finding places to “hide” your rocks where they can easily be found.
