Palo Alto, CA

“My art is an instrument for my healing from war trauma.”

Clyde Horn is a decorated U.S. veteran and former psychotherapist who has utilized art as a form of healing and therapy. Drafted into the Army from 1967 to 1969, he served in the Vietnam War (67-68). He was wounded in December of 1967 and has received numerous medals of honor for his service, including the Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, Army Commendation Medal, and three Vietnam service, unit and campaign medals. Clyde describes that his experience in war changed his life, biology, relationships, and life perspective.

As a result of his service in Vietnam, Clyde experiences PTSD and ischemic heart disease linked to exposure to the toxin Agent Orange. He has worked hard to receive proper medical care after three heart attacks, one stroke, and five stents in his heart. Despite a successful professional career as a licensed psychotherapist after his time in the service, Clyde describes that his healing truly began after he retired from full-time work in 2009.

He writes:

“Little did I realize I limped along throughout my career with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder until I fell apart after retirement and sought help through the VA. Part of the treatment I received included art therapy services.   

Art therapy utilized my photography as a means to find insight, diminish the night terrors, anxiety and depression I carried in my soul. I began to see beauty instead of pain. I began to self-soothe the agony that is imprinted on my brain. I found hope.

You will see my photography is based in nature, but I include all subjects.

Life is a paradox. It is easy and hard. My art shows both sides. Life was never meant to be static or perfect. Good times, bad times, struggles, success. The way life is…

Clyde describes ArtLifting as a bridge for him: “It gives me a medium to extend myself to others. I love that I can be part of an organization that sees the talent in those who live with a disability as I do, as well as the homeless, who may remain neglected, forgotten and unseen."