The gratitude Collection
...the story
This collection is based on photographs taken in the Netherlands in 2015, while traveling with my then 90 year old father, a WWII Canadian Veteran who helped liberate Holland in 1945.
The trip was to commemorate 70 years of freedom, and the experience deeply affected me. It became my mission to translate what I witnessed into artwork that celebrates our human connection, embraces the power of gratitude and provides a lasting legacy for the Veterans.
Dad and I at Holten Canadian War Cemetery, The Netherlands,
A trip to the Netherlands in 2015 taken by artist Emily Otterman and her WWII Canadian Veteran, Robert Otterman, inspired her to create "The Gratitude Collection", artwork that celebrates gratitude and provides a lasting legacy for veterans. This video was produced in conjunction with an exhibition of Ms. Otterman’s Gratitude Collection in 2021 in New Hampshire.
A memorable trip to the Netherlands in 2015 with my father - a WWII Canadian Veteran - became the inspiration for the photographic encaustic artwork in “The Gr...
Beholding Touch
This photograph inspired the collection, this captured moment, a fixed gaze between Veteran and child. They portray present day, and the cherub in the top left represents those children who succumbed to the ravages of war, observing the moment below, content to know that life did survive and continue on. This is my father, Veteran Robert Otterman, Highland Light Infantry.
Size of Original Artwork:
5 X 4 ft | 60 X 48 X 2.5 in | 152 X 122 X 6.5 cm
Birch panel, encaustic, pigment, fine art print (embedded), archival inks
Allied Force
A member of the Dutch Resistance (left) and a Canadian Veteran meet for the first time and share a moment of mutual respect and caring. The light behind the illuminates the intensity and force of touch.
Size of Original Artwork:
4 X 3 ft | 48 X 36 X 1.5 in | 122 X 91.5 X 4 cm
Birch panel, encaustic, pigment, fine art print (embedded), archival inks
Marching in Formation
This is a tribute to the fallen, depicting present and past and the pull of time. A quiet tree-lined road, a cemetery, marching soldiers (an historical photo from 1945), and Veteran Boyd Affleck respectfully saluting. As I worked on this piece, I felt as though the soldiers at left were coming into the present, wanting to be known, and Affleck was being pulled down the lane toward the light, hoping to be remembered.
Size of Original Artwork:
4 X 3 ft | 48 X 36 X 1.5 in | 122 X 91.5 X 4 cm Birch panel, encaustic, pigment, fine art print (embedded), archival inks
Touch 1, 2 & 3 OVERVIEW
I was moved by how important direct touch was, how people encouraged their children to shake the hand of one of their heroes, and all ages sought out opportunities to do that. There was an incredible show of emotion, joy, sadness, overwhelm, and gratitude. Letters expressing gratitude and love were given to the Veterans and their families, and people held signs with messages of freedom as we traveled throughout The Netherlands, providing a testament that the Veterans’ service and commitment did make a difference. Despite our homelands being divided by a vast ocean, distance does not separate the human spirit and soul. Our deep caring for one another prevails, we sacrifice for one another and share both painful and joyful experiences. These panels emphasize the power of touch - skin on skin - between us.
Touch 1
Size of Original Artwork:
5 X 2.5 ft | 60 X 30 X 2.5 in | 152 X 76 X 6.5 cm
Birch panel, encaustic, pigment, fine art print (embedded), archival inks
Touch 2
Size of Original Artwork:
3 X 3 ft | 36 X 36 X 2.5 in | 91.5 X 91.5 X 6.5 cm Birch panel, encaustic, pigment, fine art print (embedded), archival inks
Touch 3
Size of Original Artwork:
5 X 2.5 ft | 60 X 30 X 2.5" | 152 X 76 X 6.5 cm Birch panel, encaustic, pigment, fine art print (embedded), archival inks
Last Salute
Veteran Robie Hancock (center) visited the grave of his fallen comrade and described this as “the most meaningful event” during his visit in 2015. Fellow Veterans join in paying respect and giving a last salute. Poppies are the traditional symbol of remembrance, and here they also represent bloodshed, tenacity, and growth.
Size of Original Artwork:
3 X 2 ft | 36 X 24 X 1.5 in | 91.5 X 61 X 4 cm
Birch panel, encaustic, pigment, fine art print (embedded), archival inks
Remember
Children are a big part of remembrance ceremonies in The Netherlands and are educated about the cost of freedom, enabling all generations to feel continued respect and gratitude. Here, present day children attending a commemoration, reflect upon the image of children from 1945, also paying respect to the fallen. The words Nea Ferjitte (Never Forget in the Frisian language) challenge the viewer to Remember.
Size of Original Artwork:
3 X 2 ft | 36 X 24 X 1.5 | 91.5 X 61 X 4 cm
Birch panel, encaustic, pigment, fine art print (embedded), archival inks
