WORLD WAR 14 - 18
 |
| My book - heading to Ypres in Belgium, for their WW1 Centenary Celebrations. All the books are to measure 14 cm x 18 cm. Very Symbolic. |
 |
| These crosses and equals signs took eight hours to complete on the background of the third page! |
 |
| Bringing my ideas together. |
 |
| Not yet sewn but almost complete. |
 |
| My book has fold out pages which means worked on pages 14 cm x 72 cm |
 |
| My first page of crosses (this is only a section) represent the crosses of the trenches and barbed wire. Images with which we are so familiar. |
 |
| These crosses form the symbol of the book - from trench crosses to those of the graves and lastly using the cross as our symbol for love (kisses). |
 |
'The poppies blow between the crosses, row on row.' I have quoted John McCrae's poem 'In Flanders Field' throughout the book. |
 |
| The final artwork, shown in sections. Symbols are taken from different beliefs, the crosses and equals marks of the background symbolise love and equality. |
 |
| 'At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, |
 |
| ... we will remember them.' |
 |
| The Ode used in this work is taken from 'For the Fallen' by Laurence Binyon and on Anzac Day it is traditional to recite this Ode. |
 |
| And just because I like the photos ..... |
I made this book for my son Tim of whom I am so proud.
That is quite powerful. I love the structure.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Lynn. I tried to bring in that sense of power but did not want to make my whole book that way so introduced softer elements to tell the story. Think it works.
DeleteThat is quite powerful. I love the structure.
ReplyDeleteSusan, this is such a powerful and meaningful book. Th imagery evokes so much, and the symbolism is so strong. I love the transition from harshness to hope, and the use of 3 sorts of crosses leads us there…a wonderful tribute to Tim.
ReplyDeleteThanks Fiona. It is so good that we have chosen to make these books as it gives very focussed time to think about what is sacrificed in war, and be grateful that here in Australia we live in such a paradise. Tis grand about Tim's decision.
DeleteBeautiful and full of meaning.
ReplyDeleteThanks Debbie. As Fiona said, a book that takes us from harshness to hope and I trust everyone can see that in the work. Certainly I have imbued much of my emotion in the book.
DeleteYou have created a very moving powerful and emotional book with such strong imagery and symbolism.. very beautiful tribute ... and I am all for PEACE.
ReplyDeleteHello Donna and thank you for those words about my book. Wish everyone was for peace ..... What a world that would be :-)
DeleteThis is a beautiful and evocative book Susan and I wish I could see the real thing.
ReplyDeleteHope you will met the book, and I yours, upon their return from Belgium.
Deletesuch a deep & profound tribute
ReplyDeleteThanks Mo. It has been a tribute for me so my son who served 7 years as an officer in the Combat Engineers Regiment. I am thrilled to say he will soon be chasing his dream of a different life amongst the mountains. Probably just as dangerous, but living the life he hopes for.
ReplyDeleteHow truly beautiful and poignant this is. Peaceful as well as powerful. I'd love quiet time with it in my hands to drink in all the symbolism and absorb the peace.
ReplyDeleteIt is a joy to me that the essence of this book seems to translate through the internet and that you have been able to realise that sense of power through to peace. Peace - what a wish that is.
Deleterich memento
ReplyDeleteThanks Velma. I will be giving that copy to my son when it returns from Belgium. Not quite sure what he will make of it but I am sure he will treasure it.
DeleteThe images and symbolism, and the way you intertwined them all, is very poignant. The poppies, so soft and beautiful, contrast with the symbols and crosses, the field, the layers of meaning... so rich...
ReplyDeleteAa really delightful and encouraging comment Sharmon, Thank you. Glad you found all the contrasts meaningful.
DeleteWhat a gift - the book and what it offers up, your son and what he has given, and a wish for peace with a rememberance of gratitude for all that have given before. Beautifully, beautifully done.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Kim. I am looking forward to seeing the collection of work in Ypres in late November. Should be very moving.
DeleteA powerful book; beautiful en greatful structure!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad i will see the real thing in Ypres.
Many thanks Marleen. I too will be viewing all the work in Ypres. Do you have a book there too? I will look out for it.
ReplyDelete