Illumination of Artwork by Laura Wheeler
Artwork| "Anne Washington Derry"
Artist| Laura Wheeler Waring
Created | December 31, 1926
Medium | Oil on Canvas
Size | 20 x 16 in.
Current Location | National Archives and Records Administration, College Park, MD
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I love the portrait of this woman because it is simple, yet it captures a little piece of a story. The portrait has a realistic/lifelike quality. I am also emotionally engaged in this photo because the African American woman looks similar to many older women in my life. The ring on her finger and the expression on the woman’s face are all very inviting and representative of a culture familiar to me.
Through creating this page, I wanted to provide as much information about Laura Wheeler Waring and Anne Derry, but there are limited sources of both the painter and the subject.
Laura Wheeler Waring worked at Cheyney University, one of the first Historically Black Universities in the U.S., as a professor in both art and music. When she finished teaching, Waring explored Paris. Being in Paris was a great time for her career. "This was my only period of uninterrupted life as an artist with an environment and associates that were a constant stimulus and inspiration."
It was in Paris where she began painting portraits on canvas in vibrant and realistic ways.
A few students were asked to submit a piece of artwork as a reflection to seeing this portrait. Here are the submissions which include poems, drawings and personal thoughts.
This woman can be anyone's mother or grandmother. She's worn but not broken. Her eyes look heavy and tainted by the past while still managing to give a gaze that is both strong and wise. The photo is calming yet you can feel the resiliency in her demeanor. It is almost as if she is looking at the current generation and saying, "If you only knew the sacrifices we made for you." Her crossed arms are subtle and forceful which gives her a sense of authority.
J. Harris
'A Gaze into her Life'
'Grandma'
Look at these kids with all their soul
Running, jumping, ducking, diving,
without a care in the world
If I recall I was about 13 years old when I lost my youth
Had to be grown at age where people considered you as a toddler with a baby tooth.
I worked long days
And slept short nights,
I froze through winters
And melted through summers,
I made pennies and nickels
Just to spend dimes and quarters.
As some may look back,
They are consumed with regret,
But me, I do not fret
For my past has given me my present.
Seeing these kids play today,
There's nothing more I can say
I look forward to the future
With my head held up high
And my hands crossed to the side,
I can say I am truly blessed.
R. Harris
Artwork by: Kristiana Rica
