As this house comes apart and is prepped to sell, each item is taking on certain significance; almost too quickly to record as things are disappearing into storage.
This ceremonial sword hangs in my late father’s dining room. It belonged to my Latvian grandfather. The rule when I was growing up was that only men were allowed to touch it or any of the related items that went with it. On this day, my father took it down from the wall to let the boys try to balance it.
This was a very exciting occasion for two 3 year olds and helped them feel important, special, and part of the family history. We had just been drawing with sidewalk chalk and this was much more exciting.
The painting they are standing in front of was on its way out for delivery and in line for packing. Once this sword was placed back on the wall I ran to another room for a minute, and in a split second this still life was covered in bright yellow sidewalk chalk.
I moved as quickly and carefully as possible to safely remove all sidewalk chalk from this enormous still life. The boys watched in horror as I painstakingly removed their drawing from my father’s painting. I had never been so grateful for my 5 year apprenticeship in art conservation.
The boys had just wanted to add another flower, and help their grandfather with his work. The kiddos and I went back outside with their bucket of sidewalk chalk and continued; drawing the flowers from the yard (which are also depicted in this painting) this time reflecting their beauty in a more appropriate place.
Someone exhausted from helping to install one of his Grandfather’s exhibits.
