My 86-year-old mother passed away in late summer, after nearly a decade-long battle with Alzheimer's disease. The ensuing weeks (months, actually) have found me immersed in preparing for her Celebration of Life, which we held in mid-October to allow more family members to be in attendance. It served as a sort of cathartic experience; a chance to look through old photographs and reminisce about the many facets of her life, particularly in the decades when she was well.
The colored pencil painting depicted here, entitled "The Notions of Safety and Security", is not about my mother, exactly. It's actually about the final days in the life of Judith Carter Henry, an 85-year-old widow who became the first civilian killed in the Civil War, at the First Battle of Manassas (or Bull Run) in VA in July of 1861. (To read the complete historical narrative for this painting, please visit http://www.civilwarfineart.com/BeyondBattlefield/JudithHenryNotionsofSafetyandSecurity.htm.)
But in working on this piece, I saw parallels between Judith Henry's situation and my mother's: when Judith's family realized what was coming they found themselves powerless to protect their mother, no matter how badly they wanted to, and there came a point in Mom's illness where we felt that same sense of helplessness. I found this piece to be a classic example of how our art is informed by our life and its lessons, and wanted to share it as I move ahead from this experience.
9 comments:
Amy--My sympathy and complete understanding go out to you. My mother also suffered with Alzheimer's disease. There's a hurt in my heart that I still feel after more then 10 years. To see someone you love deteriorate is so painful--Worse was when in her waning lucid moments she would cry, because she knew something was wrong. Best of luck as you and your family carry on.
Amy, it is so hard to see a parent lose their vitality as they get older, let alone go through the ravages of Alzheimer's. Your beautiful work here is such an exceptional way to work through all of the emotions and grief after the loss of your mother.
My heart goes out to you and your family. We also experienced this with my father-in-law as he went through the stages of this horrible condition.
Your art is a blessing in so many ways. This piece and your words really touched me.
My sympathy goes out to you. Your wonderful words and beautiful paintings speak for the lovely memory of your mother. Thank you for sharing your experience and love for her with me.
Amy - so good to have you back. Stay in touch and call anytime.
Irina and I, we both remember this work of yours from last year regional show in York. Stunning painting with such a deep idea. I even took few photos, because Irina was clearly in love with it. We both wanted to meet person who painted it, if we only knew, that one day we will... Very powerful work, Amy! And thank you for telling us a story behind of it.
Thanks for the support and positive feedback, everyone. It's been a difficult few months.
Such a strong image and powerful story. The parallels you found... so many can relate to. Hope that time will help.
What a deep and powerful piece, Amy. My condolences to you on the loss of your mother.
My Sympathy to you and your family. Alzheimer's is a terrible disease. You have found some healing in your art which is wonderful.
Post a Comment