Twin Towers`911~A Response To The Silk Painting
I created this silk painting back in 2001, a couple of weeks after the 911 tragedy occurred. I had seen a photo in the " Times Magazine"; One tower on fire, black smoke billowing into the air, the other tower still standing straight and proud while another plane ready to destroy the second tower, approached it from the side: And something in that photo inspired me to paint the scene on silk.
As, I had written on my
squidoo site, I felt helpless and vulnerable after the attack on New York City. I could almost feel the desperation, and fear of those in the towers as they tried to escape the horror.
While in the process of creating the painting at times I felt as if I was able to pick up on the feelings of those inside the towers: It was a surreal experience.
A few months later, I was in a
juried art show. I gathered my paintings together; the ones I wanted to display. I pondered over the Twin Towers painting; should I take that one, too?
I called my art instructor to get her input, as to whether or not I should include it in the display.
She voiced a resounding , "Yes! It's art isn't it," she replied.
I took the painting.
I had so many people stop, point and whisper to others.
" Look, I can't believe she's showing that painting." Oh my god...."
I finally placed the painting to the back of my tent.
Later, I put the painting for sale on eBay. The nasty comments I received from people was unbelievable. I took it off eBay. Now, it sits in the back of my closet, covered in black plastic.
I've published the story of this painting on my blog sites. Today I received an email from someone who saw the blog on
squidoo. This is what he wrote:
Someone was just checking out your
Squidoo lens "Art Work of 9/11~ A Controversial Painting" and wrote you the following note..."Even after so many years I still have nightmares about that horrible day when so many lost their lives. In a strange way seeing your silk painting let me put some of the loss I still feel behind me. At the time my girlfriend was in the building (tower 1) when it went down so I thought it would help you to know not everyone finds your painting repulsive. It is still very hard for me to talk on the subject without feeling hate or heartbreak so I often
dont respond to websites I come across. I am interested in buying the painting if you still have it after all this time and you are willing to part with it. Thank you for painting it regardless I think I can understand your intent even if I cant put it into words" --Adam
BesawI am now thinking and feeling that this painting did have a mission.
Mystic Silks
(addendum)
9/9/09
That fella never did purchase this painting, and it still sits in the back of my closet wrapped in black plastic. But in
commemoration of that infamous day in history, I will continue to run this post on 911, or close to that date.http://mysticsilks.etsy.com/