“I had created a piece called ‘Sun Heart’ in 2017 as a way to
bring positivity and love to people’s lives because that’s really my
message with all of my art. I was inspired by artist Keith Haring,
who created one of the most iconic art pieces using the heart
symbol. Mine is different of course, but I never dreamed ‘Sun
Heart’ would become something special to so many people.”
Zachary had been using his ‘Sun Heart’ creation in several of
his paintings and then had it re-created onto 6,000 stickers, which
he gave away at festivals and events he attended.
“The stickers ran out in no time,” says Zachary. “I asked people
to take two, one for themselves and one to give away to someone
who may need more love in their life. Fast-forward to 2018 and
the Three Rivers Arts festival. I was again utilizing the ‘Sun Heart’
to create paintings and that’s when I saw a Port Authority bus. I
thought to myself, ‘if I’m trying to spread joy and positivity and
love, why not do it so more people can see it.”
A few months later, the tragedy of the Tree of Life Synagogue
attack took place, and Zachary was on a mission to combat hate
and how it affected people.
“I had Tweeted a picture of a painting I created with a Port
Authority bus painted with the ‘Sun Heart’, captioning that
the city needed a travelling reminder of love. The CEO of the
Pittsburgh Port Authority saw it and loved the idea. Six months
later, #SpreadLoveBus was completed and has since been seen all
over the city.
“It really is a constant reminder to spread love and be more
compassionate towards others in the community,” says Zachary.
“And I encourage everyone who sees the bus to take a picture of it
and place it on social media to help end the war on hate.”
Since the ‘Sun Heart’ was created two years ago, Zachary
has painted it on a BMW, Pittsburgh city bikes, a mural on
Forbes Avenue, a sculpture in Braddock, and currently, an RV
in Virginia. “I’m amazed how far across this country the image
and message has travelled. And the fact that it’s turned into
the #SpeadLoveArmy movement is more than I could have
imagined.”
Zachary has also created The Friendship Sessions on his Studio
Friendship YouTube Channel, which brings musicians and artists
together to create very unique videos. The latest release features
local Pittsburgh singer Joziah Council; guitarist, and one of the
Friendship Sessions founding fathers, Louie Castle, covering
Lil Wayne’s “Don’t Smile” and “How to Love.” Zachary can be
seen creating new paintings in the background as the musicians
perform. All of this artistry is captured by videographer, and
fellow Slippery Rock grad, Benton Palermo.
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“This is a pure passion project of mine that again reinforces my
message of love over hate,” says Zachary.
Moving forward, this local artist from West Mifflin will be
working in his studio, creating commissioned paintings by fans
and enthusiasts of his work. But in the background, the ideas and
images and art he has yet to create will always have a sole purpose,
to spread joy, compassion and love.
To learn more about Zachary J. Rutter and follow his work,
view his website at zacharyrutterart.com, and follow his Studio
Friendship Channel on YouTube. n