Thursday, April 22, 2010

WIP and VIP

I started working on a design that should be quite familiar to some of us. An exiting design, and hard to find, I guess.
Reasons for a reprint.


And I was in my old living quarter today to participate in a book presentation:
"Last not Least Your Quiet Courage", editor: Ulrike Sparr. About people who hid or supported prosecuted persons during the Nazi regime. The presentation took place in an old factory building, today a center for historical research. The Vice Mayor of Hamburg and our Education Senator were there.
When this event had ended, I took a stroll through my familiar streets. Many of the houses have been renovated. From a poor people's quarter still 40 years ago, it has become a well-kept, desired place to live in.
Here is a photo from the fifties that I found in the "History Workshop".
You can hear as much Turkish in the streets as German. Actually, I felt a little homesick for Ottensen where I spent 20 years of my life (1983-2003).

After yesterday's debate, I decided not to dwel on it anymore; but my mind can't find a rest.
Some of my visitors felt reminded of a swastika. I had no idea how! If you look closely, there is none, not even hidden in the ornament.

12 comments:

Deborah said...

I'm not familiar with it, but I think this is a nice design. I particularly like the blues, and your photographs. Many of us have places for which we have sentimental feelings.

ArtSparker said...

It seems a little unfair that someone who has been active in Holocaust memorial work should Have been taken to task in this way. In the States, we would say you are "walking the walk".

GerryART said...

Swastika
Swastikas were not invented by the Nazi party.
They were used long before the 1930s.

Here is a definition:

One of many variations of a sun mandala. It is an ancient symbol used around the world especially in the Hindu and Native American cultures. It can sometimes be seen decorating pots or blankets on postcards depicting these cultures, but it found its way onto most early cards as a symbol of good luck.
Gerry

GerryART said...

guess I forgot to mention that I do not see any thing that resembles a swatika in your previous picture.
boy I do like the color and forms of the overall picture.
Gerry

GerryART said...

Yikes, where did my second Comment go? cyberspace??
I said that I can not find anything in your last picture i.e.; stay grounded
that resembled a swatika. ????
I do like the colors and the forms - it draws me to the 'volcano'.
Gerry

Eva said...

Whatever the original meaning may be, I respect the feelings that arise by the similarity.

Jacky said...

Eva this sketch is wonderful...one of my favourite designs too. (is this gouache?)
Your historical workshop sounds very interesting, an obviousy evokes quite a bit of emotion.

Jacky xox

jude said...

respect in everything.

Jean S said...

I remember a similar typeface used in conjunction with films etc. used to depict the Nazis and the 2nd world war. I live in the U.S. and was born 4 years after the end of the war. I think it is ingrained in the psyche of several generations, but as time passes, will fade or be forgotten. I believe it was rude to call you on it. Obviously, your family lived through that terrible time and you certainly do not advocate what occurred.

Typeface's withstanding, your art work is wonderful.

Eva said...

Jacky, the sketch is gouache indeed.

grace Forrest~Maestas said...

eva, if you have a Wish List for designs
when they are born into the fabric pieces, I
would like to be put on that list for the
Wind

grace Forrest~Maestas said...

eva, this is me, grace, and I found your
answer to my question above.
Yes. When that design becomes available as
fabric, I would like to know right away if
possible as I think it will be a very popular
design. Sometimes people are willing to keep
a kind of pre-order list? If you are not
doing that, it's ok too. I will keep watching
as I often read your blog anyway.
Thank you for the quick response...grace
grace.porvida@gmail.com