The paintings of Linda Gordon

In both “Remembrance” and “Drummer” I explored the implications and facets of war. I created a pictorial world where time merges, transforming the fragments and allegorical images as a social commentary. The painting “Remembrance” was inspired by a photo I took at the Legion VE Day parade in Sooke, May 2008. The Veteran is Jack Cockrell who served as a Lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps in Normandy during the Second World War. A Legion member for over 46 years, Jack worked with a committee and Victoria Mayor Alan Lowe to construct the Wall of Remembrance in the new Save On Food Memorial Arena. He also organized a Provincial ceremony for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The car is a metaphor for the encapsulation of the soldier from the war, and the “hold on” strap at the left is not only a tribute to General George Patton whose life was cut short after the end of WWII by a car accident, but a hope that someone has the power to grasp it and hold steady..

Limited Edition reprints and Art Cards available! Click here to order

The painting “Drummer” was inspired by a photo I took of young Mathew Dawe at the 2007 VE Day parade in Sooke. He is a drummer in the Sooke Pipes & Drums based at the Sooke Br. 54 Royal Canadian Legion on Vancouver Island, BC.

In this image I juxtaposed the carnage of the war with today’s Flanders Field. The wide road with metallic paint symbolizes that the slippery slope to war is paved with metal, making the arms dealers rich.

The dark clouds of destruction show the effects of war on the environment, the rows of crosses the results of conflict on the populace. On the left, the drab devastation, on the right, the brightly colored fields: the drummer boy strides between, the back of his garments grey, the front in full color. He bangs the drum of war, but does not carry a gun, suggesting that weapons alone do not whip up warfare.

To contact the artist: Email: linda@sooke.org