Sunday, December 28, 2008

Art before Alzheimer's: Madonna and Child

Mom has alway's been creative. Painting, sewing, plastic canvas, needlepoint. After my Dad died in '96, painting was her grief therapy. She painted on anything. Rocks, wood, gourds. She had the knack of seeing something in a rock or piece of wood, then painting it to accentuate what she saw.

Last night I saw an example of this for the first time. It is my sister's, but I've never seen it before. I had to take a photo to show you. Despite my begging and pleading, my sister wouldn't let me bring it home with me (I wonder why?) so I could photograph it in natural light, so they don't do it justice. Still, check this out.




It is signed on the bottom 1998 Ma. Pre-Alzheimer's. Or at least, before we noticed anything amiss.

11 comments:

Lona said...

Exquisite.

Mama Pea said...

Oh.My.Gosh. What an incredible piece. It sends shivers up my spine.

rilera said...

What a precious item. It's beautiful! Now I understand even more your Mom's need to express herself through art. Thanks for sharing Annie.

Turtle said...

absolutely beautiful, and so special!

Cindy said...

I am not surprised. She has (and, had) an artist's eye. Ya know the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, dear. Where'd ya think you got it?

bulletholes said...

I found a crayon Drawing in mint condition of a tulip on construction paper.
Signed by my Dad, in the writing of an 8 year old, it must be 80 years old.
Framed it.

Annie said...

Bulletholes, what a terrific find. I bet you treasure it.

cornbread hell said...

yeah. shivers.

Anonymous said...

WOW!

I second, third and more what the others posted.

Anonymous said...

That is amazing... What a gift to see something in nature and make it come to life through art.

Anonymous said...

Wow, that's beautiful. My dad has been diagnosed with early onset Az. He is a talented, creative, passionate person and my heart is broken. Your pictures of your mom's art are beautiful and thoughtful too. I love your perspective. She is still her even through the ugly disease.
Jessie at Blog Schmog