Something I Never Knew About My Mom

Last October when Jon and I visited Dad in Anderson, he brought out a plastic bag he'd found in the attic. It was about 18 inches long and 6 inches wide and obviously held two rolled items. It was clearly marked with Mom's initials (DKY) in her handwriting and labeled "Art."

Dad knew that Mom had taken art classes at Ohio State University when he was in the Pacific in World War II. But he had never seen her art work before. I, of course, had no idea she had any talent in this area at all. I am honored that he saved it to open with me.

We were astonished at the quality and number of pieces we found. The sketches were done before she and Dad got married and are signed with her maiden name, Kiphart. The oil paintings were obviously completed after they were married because they are signed, proudly I think, Yates. (You may not know that Mom and Dad got married the weekend he shipped out to the Pacific. So a lot happened to Mom while Dad was in the war. We often ask the warriors what it was like during the war. Seldom do we learn about the things going on at home. In addition to Mom completing college, she also worked in Anderson in critical manufacturing for the war.)

This brings a number of things into focus for me. I remember Mom's insistence that all of us have some art instruction. I also remember that she generally had an insightful comment about my work when I returned from class. At the time I just thought she and Mrs. Huntzinger were talking and she parroted what she'd heard from her.

As you'll see below, she obviously knew more than she was letting on at the time. I wish I'd known about these long ago. They could have been hanging on my walls for decades.

It is also amazing what good condition the works are. The sketches were done in 1941. So they are 74 years old. That makes the paintings done in 1942 73 years old.

These first two paintings are the ones I brought home in October and had framed for our house. The drawing is in the hall to the guest room. The painting hangs with two of mine in the master bathroom. (Mom's is the single painting on the facing wall.)

Dad chose the one below, had it framed and has hung it on the wall in the living room over the couch. Looks pretty good.

Carol and John chose the two paintings below. I can hardly wait to see how they look framed. I love the color in these.

Margot chose three of her grandmother's art pieces. Although I'm not sure where she intends to hang them with the little wall space she has in her condo. But at least they have a good home.

Dad is going to keep two more paintings and, as should be expected, will always have first choice. However, any of you reading this blog can let me know which paintings/drawings you want and Dad will send them to you. (First come, first served, after Dad takes his choices.)

Enjoy!

This last one reminds me of my Grandmother Gladys. Something about the pose and the hair makes me think Mom made her sit for her.

Thanks to Jan Wright for helping Dad photograph the artwork and get the photographs to me to share with all of you.

Let me know if you want one and I'll have Dad get it on its way to you.