The woman spreading joy through letters and art
BBCMurals and colourful artwork have appeared in a suburb as part of a campaign to brighten up streets and spread positivity.
Author Jodi Ann Bickley started writing letters to people in Bearwood, West Midlands, in 2013 when she was unwell and bed-bound.
The idea was to send simple messages to people going through difficult times and remind them they were loved.
Now, after writing 6,000 such letters in ten years, the idea has sparked the "walls of light" public art project.
The plan is to amplify positive messages on walls and homes across the Black Country neighbourhood.
Ms Bickley said she hoped residents would see the artwork and be reminded things aren't as bad as they may seem.
The community champion has recruited some of her friends from the art world for the project, which she described as a series of "public love letters".
They include popular street artist Foka Wolf, who is known for scathing but comic social commentary including spoof ads.
Ms Bickley told BBC Radio WM: "I think it was some people's dream project because they could be as creative as they wanted [and] bring some joy. What they did was real-life magic."
Some 18 pieces of art have been placed around Bearwood in total.
The project has the support of Creative Black Country and the Arts Council, with locations even plotted on Google Maps.
“The murals have become beacons of light and positivity in these areas,” Foka Wolf added.
“It’s amazing to see how a simple wall can become a source of pride and conversation.”
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