NOTE: proceeds from this painting will be donated to the Bamboo School in Kanchanaburi. Many of the children cared for by this organisation are victims of yet another war.
This painting holds special significance for me. I recently went to Kanchanaburi, in Thailand, with my mother to visit the last resting place of her father and to retrace his steps to the site where he was sent to work on the infamous Railway. Our pilgrimage took us further north to the Dutch POW camp at Rin Tin, but on the way we stopped to walk through the Konyu Cutting, or “Hellfire Pass”, and reflect on the Australians who had shared a similar ordeal.
The name "Hellfire Pass" was a reference to the flaming torches which lit up the limestone mountainside as shifts of weary men worked through the night to speed up the completion of the railway, deemed “fit for work” in spite of fatigue, tropical ulcers, cholera and undernourishment.
Today, looking out over the beautiful Kwae Noi Valley from the top of the mountain, their ordeal is hard to imagine but deeply moving to reflect on.
Lest we forget.
Hellfire Pass; Lest We Forget
Framing Options
Bluethumb has teamed up with Australia's most established framing partners to provide you with professional, custom made frames for your artwork.
Learn more about framing
Artwork Details
Medium | Acrylic, Canvas, Ready to hang |
Dimensions | 42cm (W) x 61cm (H) x 1.5cm (D) |
18,401 Customer Reviews |
Return it for free within 7 days
Artwork Description
Artist Bio
Different people use art to express different things- but for me it is a way of focusing on what is lovely, good, pure and excellent among all the sadness, confusion and decay in this world.
My subjects are often inspired by nature. Painting from my own reference photos gives me an opportunity, to revisit places, relive memories and think of the people I shared them with. I hope some of the joy and love can be felt by those who view my work.
I am what is usually described as a "self-taught" artist... but who has even learned anything completely on their own? I may not have had any formal training in art, but grew up surrounded by creative people- painters, art teachers and crafters. I was blessed with parents who encouraged creativity and taught me to observe light, beauty and detail in the world around me. Even as a primary school Visual Art teacher, I learned so much from my students about spontaneity, risk-taking and the sheer joy of making a mess!
Now retired from teaching, I am able to spend more time painting, enjoying nature and visiting new and familiar places for inspiration. I have also begun on the exciting journey of illustrating and writing my own picture books. Watch this space as I continue to learn and develop as an artist.