The Last Smile
Dimension: 91.5cm X 61cm
Watercolour, acrylic, pastel & ink on canvas
Artist Statement:
“On 4th August 1942, when the Japanese military were about to invade Australia, three army brothers returned home to “Woora”, Lane Cove to celebrate a birthday. It was the last time they would be together again until 1947.
A member of the 18th Australian Infantry Battalion, Thomas Vining Rice arrived in Milne Bay New Guinea, August 22nd and was amongst the first troops in battle against the Japanese. After four years in combat without leave and deeply affected by his experience, Tom returned to Australia in 1945 to be taken into care at Callan Park Hospice, Rozelle NSW. He remained there until his passing in 1987, aged 65 years.
As for uncle Bob, in 1942 he was awarded a position in the Military History as War Photographer. He covered combat areas in Dutch East Indies and New Guinea til the war’s end. On return to Australia he became a photographer with the Sun Herald. Aged 92, he now resides on the Central Coast.
My beloved father, Eric arrived home 15th February 1947 on H.M.A.S. “Manoora” after serving in New Guinea, Dutch East Indies, Darwin, Queensland, and Japan with the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces of the 34th Australian Infantry Brigade. He married, fathered four daughters, worked in telecommunications for 30 years, and now resides in Fairlight NSW. Approaching his 85th birthday, he remains active in community service and is a lifelong member of the Returned Serviceman‘s League.
My fondest memories of Uncle Tom were at “Woora” on his rare weekends home. Grandma Doris would make apple snow and hot chocolate as we played cards and dominoes by the fire. Strange necklaces and masks decorated the mantelpiece and I would not discover their New Guinea origin until 43 years later when Dad handed me a photograph taken 4th August 1942 on his 18th birthday. The last photo to ever capture Tom’s smile.
I painted this work to bring back Tom’s smile to the three brothers who loved him dearly.
On the left: Signaller, Eric John Rice, 18years
Centre stage: Private Thomas Vining Rice, 20years
On the right: Sergeant Robert Edwin Rice, 25years
Absent: Alan Lesley Rice (too young to go to war)
Copyright Alison Jane Rice 29 March 2009
The Last Smile belongs to the following groups:
1 on 1: The Fine Art of Portraiture
grarbaleg
I love the accents of colour on the emblems
Distinct humour in all their faces
yet they knew the odds
Uncle Toms smile
has created some more joy
in a person unknown
whom is greatful for his and your families sacrifice
Lest we forget
Alison Jane Rice replied
Thank you so much for your considered words yet again!