Saturday, June 21, 2014

Home Babies


 Something about the recent story, about children who once lived in an Irish home for unwed mothers possibly being buried in a tank near the now torn down home's location, just moved me.  There was a photo shown taken years ago of some "home" children barefoot, dressed in hats.  I have painted four in black and white and a 5th painting of the Virgin Mary in color (a statue of her overlooks the presumed burial plot). 8x10".


 Found out I am not fond of painting in black and white, but seems to suit the subject.


These are not complete.  How is it that the first drafts of a painting seem to lay down easy  and with excitement (for me) but then finishing the painting is slow and tiring.


Might like something more here, like a little bird.  And ditto for the girl in second painting.

I have also written a poem to go with them.  Soon to come.  I see them hanging with the Virgin Mary in the center and one of these paintings on top, the two sides and bottom of her painting.  Somehow the poem is to be presented too.  Not that I will "show" them anywhere.  Also I think they would be more impressive done much larger.  But it is a sad subject and I might not push myself further with it.

13 comments:

Lisa at Greenbow said...

This is a sad subject. I hope to see your finished painting. It is nice that you are giving them some recognition.

Mystic Meandering said...

Suki, you capture the reality of the situation for these children and the feeling of sadness so well in these, through their expressions and I think also through the use of black and white (and grey). I particularly like #2 looking so pensive for her age. And #3 with the butterflies and her pose says so much! You have done a wonderful job. Seems to me what matters is that you were able to capture your feeling and express it here, through your artistic work, so that we may be moved as well... The images certainly have an impact.
Blessings

sukipoet said...

Thank you Lisa. The finished paintings wont be too much different, just small touches.

Mystic, your words mean so much to me. I agree the blank and white was right for these. Yes, I was trying to tend to my sad feeling about the children. Of course, children have been mistreated in all countries and all ages so I dont know why these children moved me to paint them but they did. Thanks again.

kj said...

suki, you captured something deep and sad here.

did you see the movie philemina (spelled wrong)? it was about this and her search for her adult son, anthony. turns out he never stopped searching for her either.

children. i wish every single one could be cherished and loved.

love
kj

Cris, Oregon Artist said...

Mystic said it all. I am glad that you won't be changing them to much more as they speak volumes as is.

sukipoet said...

Karen, yes I saw Philhomena and also an earlier movie The Magdalene Laundries I think it was called plus Joni Mitchell has a song about the unwed mother's homes.

Cris, thanks for your insights re fooling around with the paintings. Sometimes I dont know when they are "done."

Blue Sky Dreaming said...

Knowing the story, these paintings are all the more sweet and sad. I like the black and white with the mix of flesh tone ... will wait for the words!

Lynn Cohen said...

Your paintings are lovely, and well done. The colors convey an emotion for me. I like them as they are. But would like to see where you take them further if you do?

Annie said...

Very sad, but this is how you are working out your emotions about it.
Very nicely done. xoxo

Lynne with an e said...

It is a sad subject and probably good for you to work the sorrow you feel out of your system this way. But they are truly lovely paintings!

PeaceGardenSu said...

these are amazing always love the people forms you paint!-- even if they are sad... <3

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Shelley Whiting's art said...

Your paintings are very moving and sad. The paintings alone grabbed me before I read the words. Intelligent and thoughtful work.