by Jo Malham (guest author) on 4 December, 2010
Jo Malham’s father-in-law, Ernie, is a Forgotten Australian. Here, she shares some works inspired by Ernie’s history.
Jo explains:
I am an artist currently studying my Bachelor of Arts (Visual Arts). Throughout 2010 my works have been inspired by stories and the plight of Forgotten Australians. My father-in-law, Ernie Malham, was taken from his parents when he was seven years old. He was never told why and never told where his eight brothers and sisters were. Ernie is 84 years old now and lives contentedly with his son and myself, his daughter-in-law.
My art is a mixture of painting, mixed media works on canvas and digital images. The images contain symbolic messages to communicate the wretchedness of being a Forgotten Australian. The finished paintings and mixed media go on to be photographed then manipulated to show another aspect to the message being communicated.
Jo, liked them all especially ‘Where do I fit in’ Don’t we all feel that like that some times. Keep it up.
Say hi to Ernie for us. We lived next door to Ernie and Clarice in Seymour from about 1961 to December 1965.
We dropped into the house in Seymour last year but no one knew where Ernie or Clarice were now.
Is Clarice still alive as we have not heard from them for a few years now?
We have lived in Canberra for the last 36 years.
Like your art work.
Hi Gordon and Emily
Thanks for your comments, Ernie was really chuffed and John remembers you too!
Clarice passed away several years ago and Ernie has lived with us for a couple of years.
cheers, Jo Malham