Remembrance Day

November 11th, Remembrance Day

Last year, I took part in a Social Studies and Art department collaboration. The Social Studies class were assigned a member of the Canadian regiment who fought in the World Wars and they spent months researching about their historical figure. After, these essays would be handed to the art department where we were tasked to illustrate the figure.

I created a watercolor portrait of Margaret Neil Dibblee Kelley, a nurse working during World War I. Margaret was a patriotic nurse who risked her life to save others in battle. She met her husband, Captain F.W. Bruce Kelley, during the war and were the only survivors among their friends.I placed Margaret and her husband together as the focal point. Margaret has a worried expression while the husband has a determined but haunting look. In the background, there is a ruined house, and burning tower, and a church. This image reflects Margaret’s experience during the war as there is carnage around her. Her world is tumbling down and a town is on fire. The only thing that gives her hope is her faith and patriotism which is represented by the church. The themes I tried to portray is hope for a better future and perseverance.

Here is the link to blog post of the Socials teacher (Mr. Jones) who helped coordinate the project!

https://sites.google.com/site/darrentheeducator/wwi-collaboration-project