Sunday, September 11, 2016

For my father on 9/11


Under the beautiful window, on the left you see my painting
In the right place at the right time, which is in the right place
as part of the Kunst in Drimmelin exhibition,  in the Netherlands
Thank you to Kunst in Drimmelin for the photo, to Miranda Brouwers,
Rolf Leemeijer and Vittorio Dorigo for everything.  You all mean the world to me.

Another photo of the Kunst in Drimmelin show in the Restaurant Onze Kerk,
from the exhibition photographers, showing my work on the left and 
and to the right you see half of my friend Miranda Brouwers' gorgeous
landscape diptych, plus many other super artworks.  
My dear father,

I think of you every year on this date because you died on 9/11 some
years before the tragedy in New York City.  For me your death,
and the devastation and sorrow New York experienced blend together
in a cloak of sorrow.  But this year something else is happening.
Computers -- which you were fascinated by, and the internet
have lead me to be invited to partake in wonderful exhibitions
(something you as an artist would have so enjoyed), and also
brought me some truly delightful friendships.
My friend, Miranda Brouwers' beautiful, large diptych of the Worp 
One of these -- my friendship with Miranda Brouwers who I met
in 2015 at the Florence Biennale -- has resulted in me being part of
an exhibition in the Netherlands this weekend, in a show called Kunst
in Drimmelin. I know that even if you would have had trouble telling,
me so, you would have been proud of this event, of its focus on the
environment -- something you cared about.  You might also be
surprised that I paint landscapes now too -- something you were
known for in the creative part of your life.

I think of you lost to ill health, and of the losses of all of the families
all over the world who have lost people they loved because of war, violence and
terrible and pointless hatred.  And I wish for all our sakes that
we turn to peace and saving the planet in time for our children,
your grandchildren, and mine.

I love you and miss you Daddy.

In the right place at the right time
Acrylic on canvas
36 x 48 inches
Barbara Muir © 2016

Have a loving your family and friends day.

14 comments:

Nicki said...

I am mustering the biggest hug I can for you today dear Barbara. May sweet memories wash over you.

XOXO Nicki

Kathy Shunk said...

Your blog was so moving, I don't have any words. Hugs to you.

Barbara Muir said...

Hi NIcki,

It was actually a wonderful day spent helping a friend move, and seeing my family. I miss my father and
am grateful to him for all that he taught me -- it appears I have inherited some of his creative abilities --
and also glad that he knew I loved him, and I knew he loved me.

XOXOXOXOXO Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Kathy,

Hugs to you too. And thank you for your wonderful support every day.

XOXOXOXOXOXO Barbara

Judi said...

Hi Barbara

This is a beautiful post and a beautiful letter and tribute to your father. Its just lovely and moving to me. I am sure your father smiles down upon you just as he encourages you in the work you do.

You have done so well and I am so happy to see and read about your painting career and the happiness in your life. It grows plenty, for you have sowed it well.

*hugs*
Judi

suzanneberry said...

Beautifully said and so moving. And this painting is equally as lovely! It says freedom! Freedom from pain, loss and sorrow. Sending you a great big virtual hug! I am so sorry for your loss. Time helps a bit, turning those sad memories into joy.

Congratulations on the show and thank you for your kind words, much appreciated!

verna vogel said...

Beautiful paintings, and a beautiful tribute to your father!

xoxo
:)
V

Nancy B. Hartley said...

Barbara, Such a beautiful post, both the message, and your painting. I am so sorry for your loss. Reaching out across the world wide web, and giving you a huge hug!! Best wishes for peace and comfort to you , always.

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Judi,

Thank you so much. I have been incredibly blessed in my friendships in recent years -- I count you in that number.
I don't know about my father smiling down on me, but I hear his voice from time to time, and I know he would
have loved to know about this part of my life.

XOXOXOXOXO Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Suzanne,

I'm sure I am your greatest fan. I open your blog and sit in wonder. Time really does help,
and feeling the love in the world makes the hard parts seem less so. My heart goes
out to you, and I thank you for your wonderful work and writing.

XOXOXOXOXO Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Verna,

You know I am a huge fan. Love what you've been doing and am absolutely blown
away by how many amazing pieces you produce. Looking forward to seeing you.
And I'm counting on you to do all of the talking as I will be talked out after
Paris, and landing in Toronto, and teaching. I will want to know everything about
you!

XOXOXOXOXOXO Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Nancy B. Hartley,

My sorrow about my father is more about what he didn't get to see, than about missing
him, although I do. And I remember every detail of the day he died. And I remember
him telling me that he loved me, and that is what carries on. The love of both of
my parents is with me and inspires me. No they were not perfect, but they gave
me that amazing gift.

XOXOXOXOXO Barbara

Unknown said...

That's a nice tribute to your Dad, he would have been so proud of you showing your art in such in international venues as you do.
Beautiful painting, and it's nice to see it front and center.

Barbara Muir said...

Thank you so much Sally. He would have been really proud of me showing in the Netherlands, and so
would my mother who visited there more than once. She loved both the museums and the tulips.

XOXOXOXOXOXO Barbara

Portrait Artist

My photo
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
I paint and draw on commission and for shows. To commission a portrait, or purchase one of my paintings please contact me at: barbara.muir@sympatico.ca
A major highlight in my career? Drawing Oprah Winfrey live via Skype for her show "Where in the Skype are you? Galleries: Studio Vogue Gallery, Toronto, Canada. The Amsterdam Whitney Gallery, New York City. Gallery at the Porch Door, Kingston, Canada. Your positive comments on this blog mean the world to me. I'd love to hear from you!