Monday's Manicure - River Phoenix

Since I was about 10 or 11, one of my heroes has been River Phoenix. I would watch his films daily, and when I was going through a tough time - mid teens - I believe they helped me wholeheartedly. River inspired me so much with his kind and caring attitude towards every other living thing. He was a Vegan, a devoted advocate for speaking out against animal cruelty and stopping the waste of food resources, he also bought hundreds of acres of The Rainforest in Costa Rica so they wouldn't be cut down and ruined. The list of good deeds River did goes on and on. He was truly a great and amazing person. Today marks the anniversary of when River Phoenix passed away. To remember and celebrate him I thought it would be a nice tribute to dedicate this Monday's Manicure to River.  
   

Thumb - When I think of River and the message he wanted to put out to the World, I think of Peace. I believe River wanted to make the World a more peaceful place without pain and suffering. To symbolise this I have included a Peace Sign in the nail design! 

Pointer - This nail has an attempt at the logo for River's band - Aleka's Attic! River stated many times that his love for music was greater than his love for acting, so that is what I wanted this nail to show. Aleka's Attic was formed of River, his sister Rain and some friends. I love their music especially "Across The Way!" Here is a better look at what the logo is supposed to look like (nail varnish just doesn't do it justice!) I love how the "A" is fashioned to look like an attic - very clever! 

Middle - For this one I tried to capture the image in Stand By Me, where the four guys walk along the tracks at sunset. Stand By Me was the first film I ever seen of River, and to this day is still my favourite film of all time! Fellow Stand By Me fans..."skin it!"

Ring - I chose to do a sparkling gold heart for this nail, to represent River's caring and loving heart that sparkled, just like gold, to everyone and everything he helped. 

Pinkie - I think the name "River" is as beautiful as he was. It encompasses his calm and meaningful demeanour and is why I have chosen to use this nail to pay tribute to his unique and stunning name. 

I hope you enjoyed this post. I certainly enjoyed creating this nail art manicure in honour of River Phoenix. I think it would only be right to leave below some links to River's favourite charities for you to take a look at.

River Phoenix Centre For Peacebuilding 
PETA 
Earth Trust 
Save TheRainforest 

Thanks for reading! 

Hayley x