This commemorates my Mother’s birth father, Fred McKenna. Sadly, Mum never knew him, but in later life got to know her half-sisters. One of them, Margaret, provided some photos and information so I could make this piece of work, which is going to Italy later this year for the 2014 Legato exhibition in Cassino. Fred served in WWI and this year’s Legato is the ideal place to honour the grandfather I never knew.
I have been working on this piece for days; it’s 18×24″ on stretched canvas. I haven’t varnished it yet, just in case; there’s one small spot that might get adjusted yet. I have photographed the entire piece, and then there’s some close-up shots to show the details and layers.
Cath Sheard 
hey Cath! Oh my, I love your mixed media work!
Thanks for coming over and commenting on my blog… it was a lovely surprise!
See you over at CJS14 and Happy New Year!
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Hello Fellower Jumper! This is a fabulous piece! What a special way to honor your Grandfather. Thanks for stopping my blog. Look forward to seeing you in CJS14!
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What a lovely and amazing tribute! Love the layers of materials and meaning! Great to see you are in CJS, too! 🙂
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Hello! Thank you for the lovely words in my blog! Made me smile 🙂 I’ve never gotten in to the art journaling but this is gorgeous! Love the colours – a lovely tribute!
Excited to be at CJS 😀 see you there x
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This is really great. What a beautiful way to to honor your grandfather!
Thank you for your kind words on my blog 🙂 See you at CJS 🙂
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Oh, Cath, this is beautiful. I love how ghostly it looks with the layers. I’ll “see” you over at CJS2014. Thanks for visiting my blog. 🙂
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Hello and thanks for visiting my blog via CJS2014. I love this piece! Did you use one of your grandfather’s actual letters or a photocopy? Either way, it’s such a good idea!!
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Cynthia I used laser copies; I do a variety of sizes before I start to I can play round with the images.
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Hi I found your blog because you commented on my blog from CJS14. Thank you and congrat on your creations….. Luv from Montreal Canada…..
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Hi Cath, nice to meet you! Glad you stopped by my blog to say hello.
This is one beautiful heartfelt piece you have created. Looking forward to CJS!
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Hello Cath, that looks wonderful. Thanks so much for visiting my blog & for your kind comment.
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A wonderful tribute to a special man. Thanks for sharing, Cath. See you at cjs14. Jan T.
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This piece is so interesting and a wonderful way to commemorate your family history! I enjoyed looking at your past posts as well. Thanks for visiting my blog from CJS14. See you there for all the fun! I need a Lego or two!! LOL
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Funny- I just posted somewhere else that I need to find some Lego 😉
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hi Cath my fellow Jumper, thanks for your visit to my place.
nice canvas & how hard that must have been for your mother & perhaps still is (lifting her & the situation up)
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ooh! You live in a beautiful place. I do like your style. Here’s to a creative month!
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Cath, what a beautiful piece of art. I love how you have found your grandfather and honored him with this great work. Great to see you in CJS14.
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Hello Cath, I want to thank you for your lovely words and stopping by my little place of treasures. I look forward to seeing you here and @ CJS 2014. Wonderful to meet you and love your canvas! Thanks for sharing, Judith, Texas
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Hi Cath. Thanks for stopping by my blog and for the lovely words. Your piece is beautiful and I enjoyed looking back through your previous posts as well. I look forward to seeing more of your work both here and @CJS2014.
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Hi Cath – have enjoyed a look around your blog. Your work is lovely and looks like we have some similar art interests – gelli prints and stencils to name just a couple! Thanks for visiting – lovely to “meet” you.
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PS – just realised you are a librarian too! I have worked at Palmerston North City Library for many years in various capacities – starting a new venture in 2014 as the school librarian for Carncot. Hoping will be a nice balance of work, family and creative time. Happy New Year 🙂
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Lynette a fellow crafting librarian? Excellent 🙂 Are on you Twitter?
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Wonderful art! I love the mixed media and how you used it with your memories. Thanks for stopping by my blog. It’s already a great start to CJS14 and I can’t wait to see what you create.
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Thanks for leaving a comment on my blog. Glad I’m not the only one who makes a mess of their videos. Looking forward to following your work on CJS14 btu first I need to get my tax return done!
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Happy to meet you from CJS, Cath. Thanks for the visit and nice comment. Your work is lovely!
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Such a great canvas, very inspiring, and a great story.
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Thank you SO much for stopping by my blog to comment on my work. I just had to return the favor! I absolutely adore your canvas and can sympathize with your Mom not knowing her birth father. This project is nothing short of stunning! Fabulous attention to detail!
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