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Wednesday 14 May 2014

pieces for peace .....

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.

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23 comments:

  1. Lynn in Tucson14 May 2014 at 14:43

    That is quite powerful. I love the structure.

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    1. susan bowers17 May 2014 at 13:26

      Many 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.

      Delete
  2. Lynn in Tucson14 May 2014 at 14:43

    That is quite powerful. I love the structure.

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  3. Fiona Dempster14 May 2014 at 17:52

    Susan, 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.

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    1. susan bowers17 May 2014 at 13:27

      Thanks 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.

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  4. Debbie15 May 2014 at 01:21

    Beautiful and full of meaning.

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    1. susan bowers17 May 2014 at 13:29

      Thanks 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.

      Delete
  5. layers15 May 2014 at 10:35

    You have created a very moving powerful and emotional book with such strong imagery and symbolism.. very beautiful tribute ... and I am all for PEACE.

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    1. susan bowers17 May 2014 at 13:30

      Hello Donna and thank you for those words about my book. Wish everyone was for peace ..... What a world that would be :-)

      Delete
  6. Helen M15 May 2014 at 11:56

    This is a beautiful and evocative book Susan and I wish I could see the real thing.

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    1. susan bowers17 May 2014 at 13:31

      Hope you will met the book, and I yours, upon their return from Belgium.

      Delete
  7. Mo Crow17 May 2014 at 03:55

    such a deep & profound tribute

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  8. susan bowers17 May 2014 at 13:33

    Thanks 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.

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  9. Charlton Stitcher17 May 2014 at 22:30

    How 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.

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    1. susan bowers20 May 2014 at 15:44

      It 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.

      Delete
  10. Velma Bolyard18 May 2014 at 22:43

    rich memento

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    1. susan bowers20 May 2014 at 15:46

      Thanks 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.

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  11. Sharmon Davidson28 May 2014 at 00:39

    The 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...

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    1. susan bowers26 June 2014 at 14:57

      Aa really delightful and encouraging comment Sharmon, Thank you. Glad you found all the contrasts meaningful.

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  12. Kim Henkel Creations28 May 2014 at 04:07

    What 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.

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    1. susan bowers26 June 2014 at 14:58

      Many thanks Kim. I am looking forward to seeing the collection of work in Ypres in late November. Should be very moving.

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  13. Marleen Derweduwen16 June 2014 at 16:05

    A powerful book; beautiful en greatful structure!!!!
    I'm glad i will see the real thing in Ypres.

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  14. susan bowers26 June 2014 at 15:00

    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.

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I appreciate your comments - thank you!