New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/24/2013 -- "This Light Shines" is an interactive art exhibition that requires people’s love, help and participation for it to fully bloom.



In 2012, Lucas Stoffel lost a close friend who sold soy candles on Etsy and when he got sick the business went to the wayside. Early this year, Lucas went to his family's home and picked up his remaining supplies, and he started to develop a new candle centered around the Buddhist belief of rebirth.



The essence of rebirth in Buddhism is one’s energy carrying forward. Human beings are considered to be an endless energy passing from one to the next, much like the flame of a candle lighting another. The flame transfers, but the new flame carries its own identity.



By donating to the project, all backers will receive a candle as a gift. Each candle is handmade from organic soy, and blessed by monks. Lucas will pin-point the flame of each candle on an interactive map, where participants can login and dedicate the flames light to a loved one. If the user tweets the hashtag #shines4 their dedicated light will blossom into a Lotus flower. The Lotus, a symbol of fortune, grows in muddy water and blooms above the murk to achieve enlightenment.



This project’s initial goal of $7500 is to place a minimum order for 2500 candles. The secondary goal of $15,000 will address more technical aspects of the website. A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit a health campaign for those in need of assistance.



About Lucas Stoffel

Lucas Stoffel is an artist based in New York City who takes his passion and creativity to create new mediums and modes of art to inspire the masses.



This campaign will receive all funds raised even if it does not reach its goal. Funding duration: December 10, 2013 - January 17, 2014 (11:59pm PT).



Indiegogo Page: http://bit.ly/1dXRCqb