the story

how "Beholding Touch" was born

Those unforgettable moments. The times that make the hair stand up at the back of your neck. The moments your mind refers back to time and time again.

That's what matters most.

During the trip to The Netherlands with my dear Dad in 2015, I captured a moment that became the inspiration for the Gratitude Collection, eight pieces of art honoring WWII Veterans and the Dutch citizens, who's love and respect for their beloved heroes is incredible.

The collection's signature piece, "Beholding Touch", became the first, born from a photograph that spurred my creativity and longing to create a lasting legacy for those we love.

I invite you to travel with me back to the moment...

Dad and I are in the city of Apeldoorn, along with over a hundred Veterans and their families to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Liberation.  Holland has held a tradition of hosting a major celebration every five years and there are throngs of people lining the streets for the parade in the heart of the city.  It's a cool spring day, camera crews and photographers are everywhere, period army vehicles from the 1940's and drivers dressed in gear replicating wartime, are transporting the Veterans. There are shouts of joy, flowers, flags, and children and parents and grandparents who vividly remembered their plight during the war and wear their emotion on their sleeves.  And many respectfully make their way close enough in genuine hope of touching one of the soldiers who helped free them.  

We're in an old army ambulance vehicle, I'm seated behind my Dad, but it's difficult for me to see the people. I jump out of the back to walk alongside and experience things more fully.  Soon after, a young girl gingerly reaches her little hand up to touch my Dad's and she stares him in the eyes for what seems like a full minute.  The image shows up in my camera, intact, clear, intently calling out to me. 

Another day, another location in the province of Friesland during that same trip, put me in front of a bronze sculpture by Tineke Willemse - Steen, of a beautiful young child with a cherub-like face. This photograph becomes part of Beholding Touch (in the top left of the image), and is symbolic of children who did not survive the war and who were witnessing - beholding - the generations who were free and that did survive. 

We were to board a plane this week, May 1st, 2020, with my Dad, bound for Amsterdam, to celebrate the 75th Liberation Day with the Dutch and five other Veterans and families. We were to be in Dokkum, and the Gratitude Collection was to be exhibited there, where my Dad and fellow Vets would see the artwork for the first time.

Instead, we're home and nesting due to the pandemic that has gripped the world.  And Dad has peacefully and quietly moved on to his final resting place in heaven above.  He's watching life unfold with cherubs and angels.

The legacy remains.

in the army
vehicle behind my Dad 
Apeldoorn, May 2015

me walking beside the army
vehicle and coming upon
the little girl (bottom left)
who appears in
"Beholding Touch"

original photograph
Apeldoorn parade
Dad with young child
May 2015

photograph of bronze
by Dutch sculptress Tineke Willemse - Steen
located in Hotel Landgoed Lauswolt, Beetsterzwaag
May 2015

Go here for information about the Gratitude Collection and the exhibition that is now rescheduled.