100 Years

I find it fascinating how WWI launched the world out of the poise of the Edwardian Era, and caused the reaction of the Roaring Twenties. WWI is the pivotal point of vast societal change, which influenced everything stylistic as well--design, décor, architecture, fashion, and so on--read any history of design book and you'll catch on to that trend pretty quick. Here's to those who sacrificed their lives and lifestyles, creatively adapted to new ways of life (I would love to hear more of their experiences), and helped give us the freedom we enjoy today! 

The Soldier's Service Dictionary

This pocket-sized dictionary is 100 years old. It was printed in 1917 by Funk & Wagnalls Company in New York. Then it was presumably used in WWI, and about 70 years later my mom picked it up at a book sale. I wonder if in between it was picked up and used in WWII.

The interior translates common military terms into French for practical use by the "Belgian, British, and French armies." It even translates geographical terms in a pictographic way.

Quite the fascinating read!

I Vow to Thee my Country

Troops in the field of Nepean High School in Westboro, Ottawa, Ontario. In majestic honour of all in service.

Remember

"We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields."

--Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD

Parisian Wartime Postcard

 I found this 1940s postcard at an ephemera sale. The elegant building pictured is now known as Le Musée d'Orsay, which holds the largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art. Monet, Degas, Renoir, Van Gogh...joy of joys!! But wait--its history is equally fascinating. It was built around 1900 as La Gare d'Orsay, a train station. Then during WWII it was used as a post headquarters for sending packages to prisoners of war, as well as a place that welcomed those soldiers after Liberation. 

The writing scribbled on the back of this postcard says, "This building is at present the home of Canadian boys on leave in Paris. The ballroom is magnificent. River 'Seine'." Just incredible!

At the Station

Here is one of my paintings, titled "At the Station". I chose to paint this '40s style image because I am intrigued by the personal stories surrounding war. The deep loyalty and love evident in memoirs are relatable yet astounding at the same time. They are admirable testaments of bravery.