Somme 100 1st July 20016

My Grandfather stood on the right. I thought he was an old, old man. He was 22 when he fought at the Somme.  Unknown compatriot. Charred, blackened, decimated tree.

 

 

War. 

]WWI.

 

The above images are from Silent Witness, a seminal project which I began during Artist in Residence 2012.  From a young I have been intrigued by the photograph of my Grandfather. Being given little information about him. All I understood was that that he fought in the First World War, which as a small child seemed such a long time ago.  His face in the photograph has carried with me through my life.  My grandfather died when I was a few months old. Being mustard gassed in WW1 contributed to his death.

 

 

 

Somme 100

My Grandfather was a TA.

My grandfather fought with the DLI.

My grandfather was gassed.

My grandfather was a stretcher bearer.

My grandfather was buried alive for three days.

My grandfather was saved by Canadian Troops.

My grandfather came home.

 

The war continues.

 

May we all move forward with a patient mind.

May we all move forward with a gentle heart.

May we be united in truth.

May we be united in peace.

May find stillness still with love.

 

csh01.07.2016