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Saturday, May 17, 2014

a stack of memories and one give away






























Memories

A long time ago my father was in the navy. As a marconist (radio officer)
he was often sent to distant lands. He passed away  many years ago.
But what remains are the memories. Memories of stories he told,
the letters he wrote to my mother,the cards he sent, gifts he brought,
shells and the stamps on the cards and letters.

It may be clear that the theme of the drawing challenge this week, memory,
appealed to me. Most of my work is based on reflections, things I've seen
and memories.

Although I planned to make one or two pieces on the theme, I ended up in
a kind of flow and there were twelve!

This post (and the pieces I made) is a kind of ode to my father and to memories.
And one is a give awayAs an ode to the  drawing challenge. 
If you want to participate: just leave your choice in your comment
before next sunday the 25th of May (just mention the letter that´s in each piece, d,e, etc.) 
I'll announce the winner on sunday afternoon.

Please have a look on Kristen Donegan's blog: A Sunny Spot to see more memories.
Thank you Kristen for hosting this drawing challenge.


My Father in the Navy: A Childhood Memory 

Stiff and immaculate 
in the white cloth of his uniform 
and a round cap on his head like a halo, 
he was an apparition on leave from a shadow-world 
and only flesh and blood when he rose from below 
the waterline where he kept watch over the engines 
and dials making sure the ship parted the waters 
on a straight course. 
Mother, brother and I kept vigil 
on the nights and dawns of his arrival, 
watching the corner beyond the neon sign of a quasar 
for the flash of white, our father like an angel 
heralding a new day. 
His homecomings were the verses 
we composed over the years making up 
the siren's song that kept him coming back 
from the bellies of iron whales 
and into our nights 
like the evening prayer.


by Judith Ortiz Cofer

from Hispanics in the U.S. 
An anthology of Creative Literature, Vol. 2, 1982 




19 comments:

Patti Edmon Artist said...

Piece 8 really touched me deeply, though I cannot explain, it touched the part of my heart where 'father love' resides. Beautiful work!

Sue Marrazzo Fine Art said...

I'm Liking D the best!
I would love to share your work with others...
I am a big fan!
The poem was so beautiful, too!

Sharmon Davidson said...

These are all visually delicious, but I think I like 'b' the best...

Jan said...

I love them all and especially no. 7 with Gandhi and a wonderful color combination.
Thank you for making these and sharing them.

Tammie Lee said...

your post over flows and touched deeply with memories

each piece of art and the poem touched me

memories.... they do stay with us
at least some of them

Stefanie Seltner said...

oh yes, this drawing challenge is made for you, Memory - your wonderful art, history personal and overall, very touching, beautiful!
My favorite is the one with Ghandi.
Thank you for offering
x Stefanie

Cathy Missaghi said...

It was a hard choice, I like them all, but I finally decided on m:)

Jo Murray said...

A thoughtful and sensitive collection, loaded with memories. How can you bear to part with one? Impossible to choose just one...b....or d...or...m? As I said, impossible.

Kristen Donegan said...

wow you were really on a roll! these are wonderful and I love what you speak of regarding your Father- so much from the heart!
these remind me of letters in some kind of coded language- love the sewing?? do I see that?
I have a hard time picking just one as they all do flow together- maybe V
thanks so much for playing along this weekend- best Kristen

nadine paduart said...

:)))
i really have no favourite, if luck would befall me, then i'd like you to pick one.
yes, it is true, yor work has this feel of memory {fading}, a vintage quality which catches my eye. the blue colour helps alot too, it is so fleeting.
i smile, for you say you couldn't stop...
n♥

Patrice A. said...

this theme fits you so well!
must have been great to make them
that's what they look like
to me
beautiful collection and so personal by using letters
yep! love them!!
but
if i would have to pick just one
it would be the second one

Patrice A.

Unknown said...

yes, it's great to see how you put a little peace from your father, into your work. Very personal. My favorite is the last one. Thank you for offering.

Unknown said...

Such good work, Eric and the poem - WOW - my husband is in the merchant marine and gone from home for months, so the poem really resonates with me.
Of your beautiful memory collages, S - if I am the lucky draw.
happy week,
-sus

AvdW said...

prachtig werk. Het raakt een snaar. Heel inspirerend hoe jij je laat uitdagen , en hoe woord en beeld elkaar vinden. De laatste vind ik het mooist.

Unknown said...

I can very well understand working with memories because I do the same witth my collages as well although or for good luck they look totally different. Incredible flow you had and if I would be the lucky winner, I would choose the "u".
Wish you a nice week
barbara bee

Ariane Reichardt said...

Dear Eric,
I flow with you. What a beautiful stream of memories en hunkering. Love the tone... even of your words. Pretty pieces of handwriting... the stamps, the surfaces, very vivid.
12... like the tally of luna in a year.

I shall decide? oh my...
settle for 'l' with the Queen.. Canada... the place where my sister lives.

xo Ariane.

Caterina Giglio said...

oh... my... g of course... ; )

tanïa said...

Wonderful memories you've put into drawings and words. Your series of collages is just beautiful and it's really hard to choose one! I think my favourite is the "s"...

Seth said...

Loving this series and how personal it is. Congrats to all the winners!

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