My theme today is art out of war. It may seem kinda funny, how is there art in war time? I know from first hand experience that people can get very creative in some “interesting” circumstances. I recently had this concept reinforced. I traveled to Oahu and visited Pearl Harbor. Jenny and I went there to see what has happened in the past and to pay our respects to those who have gone before us. When visitingPearl Harbor, you have the opportunity to see a living piece of history on Ford Island: the battleship Missouri and the Pacific Aviation Museum. We took the extended tour on the Missouri, which gives you access to parts of the ship that are generally off limits to the general public. The extra cost of the tour is worth every penny. While on the tour I was amazed at the art we found in just about every available space. I guess gray and white surroundings and the pressure of going to war will drive just about anybody to come up with some art. Some of the art was inspired by the fact Bart Simpson was outlawed on the ship. The ship’s Captain during the first Gu; War had a hard and fast rule that Bart was not to be known on the ship. Well, we all know how human nature reacts to that sort of prohibition. Tell any kid they can’t do something, and the next thing you know the kid is doing just that!
I have always liked the art work on the side of WWII bombers. Pin ups, cartoons, you name it, if it is on the side of a WWII flying bomber I like it! The art work inside the bowels of the mighty battleship is equally great. I can sure understand if your battle station was a white wall then you would want to spice it up a bit if that was the last thing you were going to look at. I find it awesome that some anonymous and some known artists would adorn the walls in front of them. I hope to meet them someday, thank them for their service, shake their hand, make their portrait. Honor and Respect, Thank You.
ML
