‘The Sideboard II’, red Biro drawing by Jane Lee McCracken
This triptych of Biro drawings portrays memories of a small child at play with a sideboard, within the safety of ‘home’, before the onset of war – perhaps a cottage in a small village in Eastern Europe.
It was inspired by the ‘girl in the red coat’ from the film ‘Schindler’s List’, 1993, Steven Spielberg, as she wanders through the Kraków Ghetto while it is being ‘cleared’ by German soldiers in 1943.
‘The Sideboard I, II & III’, black and red Biro drawings by Jane Lee McCracken
With my sister’s permission I used photos I had taken of my niece at play in the family kitchen as reference for the drawings. These pieces highlight the indiscriminate nature of war and how it can affect ‘anyone’ and attempt to convey understanding of loss by seeing victims as individuals and not statistics.
For further images from this series please visit my website.
Jane Lee McCracken, Artist 
I have to say that I think you have excelled yourself here Jane. The detail on the cardigan, and the turned wood, is simply phenomenal, and comparable to a photograph in clarity.
Truly excellent work, completely perfect in execution.
Very best wishes as always, Pete.
Thank you so much Pete for your kind words. I guess it was a special piece. as you know I have an interest in war and and the effects on people and animals – and my niece is very dear to me. Seeing her playing so innocently pulled at the heart strings and struck a chord with the things I’ve read and watched about war. I’m delighted you like it. Very best wishes as always, Jane
Excellent work, Jane…!
Thank you Jack! : )