Reviving Grandma I, 2020, Graphite & Chalk Pastels
Moon Po Pae. 1905 - 1999.
In 1950 at the age of 45, she and her husband shepherded 5 of their children, the youngest being 9 yrs old through a raging war to safety in a new land. Many families were separated but theirs managed to stay together.
They rebuilt their lives from the few items they hand carried for their departure. Namely textiles imported from overseas. A few years later once they finally got a foothold, her husband, my grandpa died in a truck accident. She managed, providing for and protecting her children. They all made it to adulthood and started families of their own.
Uprooted over and again, displaced to foreign lands. Unfamiliar with customs, with language, people. Coming to terms with her bitter fate.
This drawing is based on a photo that was taken before the storm hit. I think my grandpa upon first seeing her face must have known that no matter what life threw their way she would survive it.
Reviving Grandma II. 2020. Graphite and colored pencil rendition of a 1973 photo.
Grandma was tough. A survivor. She lost a lot in her life and went without. But this vest was a cherished treasure. Before the war, in more prosperous times, my grandpa did well as a textile trader. I believe she made the vest from fabrics salvaged from their flight from their homeland. A bitter reminder of a past life derailed.
My rendition of the vest is not exact but it captures its vibrance in my memory.
Grandpa D. 2020. Colorization of a 1970 B&W photo via Photoshop.