Stabroek News

Commemorating Stanley Greaves 90th birthday

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.

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