Germerica

Got my 2nd multi-cultural portrait completed!  And like anything practiced, I think I'm getting better... !  (Woot woot).

The first Germerican (bottom) was for my son.  My husband and I get asked all the time "what" Lars "is."  Sometimes people are shocked "how good" he speaks German!  Hmmm.  Sometimes I want to respond that he's simply "human."  Most of the time I just remind them that he is German. 

The photo I used in the first portrait was faceless.  It was a picture I took from the back before his first haircut, documenting the little scrappy curls.  The portrait wasn't about my specific child... it was more about people's ideas of identity and nationalism.  That concept of "how German is he?" Or if he's "more German than American."  As if these things can be measured AND assuming it would remain static throughout his life anyway.

Well we have friends who happen to also be a German-American couple, so I offered to make their son Noah his own Germerican portrait.  The photo I had was from the front this time. I made bolder, bigger wings and did a little more embellishing.  I also intentionally made the background more yellow to tie into the German flag. 

Something that might be of added interest to those of you who like symbols; the stars I use are also culturally appropriate.  The 6-sided star (which is basically two equilateral triangles overlapped) is the Star of David.  This is the star I see here in Germany in most designs, at holiday time, and in children's crafts.  At first this was strange for me because as an American, I viewed this star as being specifically religious.  Where here in Germany, it's not necessarily intending to have any religious meaning at all... in many uses it's "just" a star.  The 5-pointed star or the Sheriff's star is the typical star you see in most American design.  For me, these little elements are important because clearly, the whole world does not see stars the same way. 

I'm really liking this idea of celebrating our nationalities and cultures.  There's a part of me who's a little scared of those who might somehow be offended but then I remind myself that any artwork that's worthwhile invokes emotion from people.  The intent behind these canvases is merely about the effects of the culture defining the children within it.

 

Comments

[Linda]

LOVE this! Great post.
Arty hugs.

[DJ]

Beautiful artwork, and well-written post!
What cute children...

[Veronika]

I really like this, it's definitely something that be appreciated over time.

[Anne]

Can't imagine what anybody could take offense at. It's a great piece for a child to remember their heritage.

[TJ]

Thanks for the supportive comments ladies... I guess I'm scared of hard-core patriots who might take offense at a distorted flag as well as any religious misunderstandings that could arise from the use of the Star of David. Everything I make is with respect and love so I 'spose I'm just being a worry-wart!