Introduction
In commemoration of the artist Stanley Greaves’ 90 birthday, the Sunday Stabroek will be featuring images of some of his artwork accompanied by poems written by him. This week’s painting `BIG BREAD’ is accompanied by a note from Mr Greaves and the poem.
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November is my birth month, December is my Mother’s and January is my Father’s. My original plan to have an exhibition of my work to celebrate my 90th birthday did not take place.
My Mother’s gift to me was understanding of spiritual experiences. My Father’s gift was an understanding of the application of aesthetics in making things. Both gifts have been the foundation and continuing development in my existence.
BIRTH YEAR PROJECT No. 1
BIG BREAD. 48 X 36 ins Was to commemorate the death of My Father. As his body lay on the post mortem table I had a vision of it looking like a loaf of bread.
The pathologist decided not to perform a post mortem. I expressed my appreciation and offered a silent prayer.
DE PROFUNDIS II
I did not cry when my Father died,
instead a picture was painted.
I did not cry
when my Mother died’
but paid a visit
to a silent sea.
But as I left the sea,
I was suddenly reminded
that the salt of my tears
and that of the waves
was the same.
Death is as expected
as it is unexpected,
and that holy surprise
cannot really be shared.
