Random Reflections will appear online irregularly............
10 December 2007
It's a glorious sunny day and I'm contentedly relaxing on my favourite 0utdoor spot with my hands (only) getting a dose of Vitamin D. I can hear the cheery chirping of tiny birds twittering among the birch branches opposite - competing with the raucous row of the primary school kids next door enjoying their AM recess adding to the sweetly serene mood I find myself in today.... (oh yes, I'm only human - I don't feel like this EVERY day....)
Just returned home from hospital last Friday - amazing to think in the last 2-3 months I've had admissions and discharges (thank God) from the wonderfully caring Catholic Cabrini Hospital. I'm fortunate to possess powerful recovery powers and generally bounce back quite quickly...
Yesterday was an extremely special day for me, when, picked up by my good mate Morry Slonim who regularly takes me to the Temple Beth Israel every Saturday, we drove to the Jewish Museum and Gallery. Here I had the very great pleasure in viewing, with my family members among the 90 - 100 present a few of the many combined embroidery-painting works of my wonderful wife Marge who passed away just 4 years ago after we'd enjoyed 62 1/2 years of marvellous marriage leaving 3 children, 13 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren and another one due in 5-6 weeks time.
Harry pointing out Marge's birthplace in Poland
Our works are being exhibited for 3 weeks together with 2 other mature-age lady artists whose work is for sale. I was considering donating one to the Museum for permanent exhibition but have found, over the years, my grandchildren had put their names on the back of those which had a special appeal and are therefore being reserved.
One of Marge's embroideries
With each artists work a short biography was also exhibited, written by the gallery's art director as below......
Harry Greenberg was born in Melbourne in 1919 of English parents and Russian, Austrian, Dutch and German grandparents.
Harry has always had an interest in viewing art, but it was only nearing retirement aged 59 he realised he could draw. His late wife Marge was concerned that when he was no longer working he might get underfoot around the house so she asked Harry`s brother Joe, a commercial artist to encourage Harry's pursuit of art........ Joe put a pencil in his hand and told him to draw something....... Harry's first drawing was an old-fashioned sailing ship. He has never looked back.
Marge Greenberg was born in Poland in a shtetl (small village) between Lomza & Bialystok. At age 13 she emigrated to Australia with her family. When she was 18 and Harry 20, he saw her photo in the Jewish News and he knew he would marry her. After making contact with her and following a brief courtship they both discovered he was right.
Marge was slways interested in embroidery and sewing and patchwork and created many lovely pieces. In 1973, as a birthday gift for a niece, Marge suggested they combine their skills and create a work together. Harry drew a picture on canvas part of which she embroidered. What was not worked in embroidery thread was then painted by Harry. This was the beginning of created endeavours which spanned three decades. I t was Marge who generally suggested the subject, and then the two would collaborate on a works' production and affectionately sign their pieces "Boba and Zayda".
Their subject matter ranges through bird life, landscapes, fashion. portraits, nautical scenes, rural scenes and historical events.
Over 62 years Marge and Harry collaborated in life and work, until Marge's passing fours ago. Harry is still painting.
'till next time
