29×21 inches, watercolor on acid free paper, I created this painting after hearing a news story about the suffering of Somalian children, in a horrific conflict. I saw this brief footage on TV and wished I could go there and fix everything.
I originally called this painting “Somalian Angel” and had it in an exhibit in Toronto at Gallery 1313. A man from Somalia came into the gallery, and he was initially upset that the Angel didn’t look anything like someone from Somalia, and he was angry, because I have never been to Somalia. I explained to him my intention was to express my love for the children in the conflict, and this is what inspired the painting. He was not angry after I explained this to him. I changed the title to “Crying Angel” after that. Not wanting to rub salt in any wounds, but really, it is my Somalian Angel.
I do love children. If we adults loved and protected and cared for all the children of the world, and made sure that children were not made to suffer, this world would be a paradise. Children are the future, and should be treated with love and tolerance, and never be allowed to be hungry, or mistreated. They should be allowed to flourish and reach their full potential, and they would in turn grow to be positive and influential, caring adults. This painting was created to express this sentiment. I wish…..I wish…..
Kathy Poitras: The Stories Behind the Paintings 