I was inspired to make this painting by ‘What would you do if these crackers where real pistols?’ because of the deeper meaning. The artist gave you a choice what WOULD you do. Would you leave it not knowing any backstory? Why they are there? Would you pick up one and run for it? Not asking who could have owned or used this? Or would you sit in curiosity wondering why, who, how did it get here? These questions came flooding to my mind the moment I sat down in the chair to write my answer.
My name is Tess. You might be reading this to understand what is the meaning behind my painting? My painting is about the deeper meaning in life, that you shouldn’t just walk past something that catches your eye or makes you question it. I learnt this as I was walking through this very museum but there was typically one artwork that really caught my attention - ‘What would you do if the crackers where real pistols?’ This was because of the random looking placement of gun shaped crackers clamoured against the corner of the wall. I was already asking questions.
The reason I picked the number 3 was because I was picturing a small family of 3 but depicted two of the three waiting for the other to come home after war. Many people are stuck in war waiting for their loved one to come home but many don’t know what might have happened to them. If they were badly injured or still fighting, if they were doing ok, if they were even in some cases dead! These terrifying questions can spiral though a person’s mind when someone they know is fighting for their country. This is why I made this painting. Many people develop mental health issues after or during their country being engaged in warfare. 38.5% of respondents developed depression and anxiety went higher than 51% of people. These people can never go back on the trauma they experienced caused by war and fighting.