I AM My Brothers' Keeper

This watercolor is a reminder of what a wise, old woman told me once. She said women have traditionally been the keepers of memories. Over many centuries, with exception, it has been the men who went off to fight battles. For those who returned in part, changed, or not to walk the earth again, the women would relate the life stories to the remaining family members and friends. Through this means of story telling, the memories of these people are kept alive. This is how the title of this piece came to be. I AM My Brothers' Keeper.

I have to uphold centuries of tradition, and maintain the memories of others I know. Many of my "brothers" went off to fight in battles. Some came home in various states. Even if they came home, unwelcomed, they may not have recovered, and may never.

In this image, you will see the soldier in the foreground is carrying equipment of two soldiers. Did the unpictured soldier return to a good life, or something else? Each viewer can react to this piece based on their own personal history.

The image is large, 23x14", is not for sale. In memory of all MIAs and POWs, it will be donated to a museum about MIAs and POWs. This is done at the request of former POW, Ken Khoellermeier (spelling uncertain), to whom I offered the piece. He asked it be donated in memory of those who gave so much, some eternally. No location has yet been found to put the piece, and it is safely stored. If you have a recommendation, please email the artist at RobbinNeff@hotmail.com.