The inspiration behind this exhibition came directly from the images derived from my mothers storytelling of her time in WW2 as a displaced person, the conditions she faced, the perilous journey, her innocence and naivety, her ultimate survival. e.g.
The dress she was wearing when she fled her country was sewn from Latvias flag (red and white) it was impossible to buy new clothing and she was still growing at 13 years old. Because of the fighting she was separated from her whole family and it was to take 50 years before she saw them again!
The huge coat that both she and her best friend had to share as the autumn turned to winter and they only had the clothes they stood up in. (One arm around each other and one arm each in the sleeves.)
No water to wash in for weeks, no food to speak of, seeing the unthinkable and doing the impossible, surviving.
My mother was not able to return to see her mother or her sisters for 50 years!
I already have drawings of which portray what these memories of my mothers journey inspired in me. And I intend to do many more. My first oil painting was finished at the beginning of the week and my second is in full swing. I anticipate completing at least two canvases each month.
I would like to process my thoughts with my blog through these next 10 months by sharing my experiences as I prepare for my exhibition in July2013
