Spirit Dark after Guernica, in progress
Spirit Park
The evolution of today’s post:
The Pacific Spirit Regional Park in Vancouver is a beautiful jewel in our city, a place of peace and tranquility that I have posted about many times, and as recently as this week’s Photo Challenge from The Daily Post. On our last visit there one of my photos inspired me…
…to set up a number of sheets of newsprint on the studio wall and see where it took me with charcoal, crayon and paint.
I was happy that the image was progressing well and was close to being finished…
…and then yesterday morning came the news from Spain of the horrific terrorist attack killing and injuring countless innocent men, women and children from all over the world, enjoying a summer’s evening in Las Ramblas in Barcelona. The images were heartbreaking, and one particularly was unforgettable, a baby’s stroller abandoned on the sidewalk and a child lying motionless in the street.
I shall never forget the first time I saw Picasso’s Guernica in New York in 1965. It has haunted me ever since, and those images from Barcelona immediately brought it back to me. It is perhaps one of the greatest works of protest art ever created, painted by Picasso after the attack on the city of Guernica in 1937.
Suddenly my Spirit Park in the studio seemed a million miles away from the reality of the carnage and horror happening across the sea, and images relating to another time in history started to appear amongst the trees together with that stroller and that beautiful innocent child.
As I send sympathy and condolences to all those suffering from yet another crime against humanity, Spirit Dark in some small way is my way of protesting these evil times.
One more photo from that morning in the park perhaps allows me to end with a ray of hope in our dark world.
thechangingpalette 
Beautiful Andrew. We need all the hope we can get right now. 🙏
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We do indeed Miriam. Thank you
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Quite a transition Andrew – seems we are thinking along the same lines this week. Your art is wonderful as always, as are your thoughts.
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Thanks so much Tina. We must all stay strong and resolved in the face of hate bigotry and injustice.
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what a breath taking post Andrew.
others may shirk and shrink, but you call us to think, and to move towards some positive action. And as artists, we can act and voice the outrage within. thank you.
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Thanks for your support Debi. A small voice in the dark is at least a voice.
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Andrew, I’d like to share this post, I hope you won’t mind. thank you, cheers, Debi
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Of course Debi. I always feel honored if you do – anytime. I know you feel the same sense of outrage and heartbreak as I do.
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yes
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I am really touched Andrew!! Such a strong post!! These kind of news always shock me, but Ι feel really emotional when it comes to children, especially since I gave birth a few months ago. So sad…
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Thank you Marianthi and many congratulations on the birth of your baby. Happy to know your new blog address and will look forward to following you here and on Instagram. Best wishes, as always…Andrew
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Thank you so so much Andrew for your wishes, he is a very sweet little baby that has stolen our hearts!! 🙂 I followed back on Instagram and I hope you like my new blog. Have a great day!! :))
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thank you both. i hope my tiny voice can add to the up welling.
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Thank you Holly for adding your voice
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all the things that happen when we won’t listen to what they are telling us
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Reblogged this on Jacob Russell's Magic Names.
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I am always cautious about developing art on the unfolding horrific news, feeling exploitative and a mere voyeur. However, you have caught the spirit of this moment well. I think this is because you were already in the midst of an art work and your spontaneous response drew in the references to Guernica which had a powerful influence on your early life. I’m glad to have been led here by another blogger.
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Many thanks for your thoughtful and supportive comment which is very much appreciated.
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Very much like your idea, and how you’ve worked it out.
And thanks for visiting my blog!
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Many thanks
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