Broken Wings No. 3 – Patterns of Resiliency
3 x 3 foot Mixed Media
A collaborative work with Breton and Raybrook Assisted Living Facilities and artist Pamela Alderman
Monarch butterflies migrate from Canada to Mexico every autumn. Somehow, millions of delicate butterflies complete the dangerous 3,000-mile journey in spite of severe weather, pesticides, and habitat loss. Like the Monarch, the Greatest Generation has shown us how to push through many treacherous obstacles—such as World War II and the Great Depression—for survival.
Staff members, the artist, and this generation, known for their work ethic and resiliency, tediously painted 324 plexiglass tiles. But no one could imagine the outcome because the thin blue film protecting the front side of the tiles wouldn’t be removed until the last class. So, during this stage of the artistic journey, our mosaic butterfly painting was secretly developing within the creative chrysalis.
From the onset, we discussed the word “survivor.” One senior felt prompted to portray her World War II experiences on the two-inch tiles. She said, “The blue and green stripes on the first tile represents the Allies flying over the Netherlands. The second tile depicts the time after the war when we were allowed to fly the red, white, and blue Dutch flag again.” Her example demonstrates how hardships and stress can strengthen us.
When the final tiles were glued into place, the residents gathered to witness the emergence of our Monarch butterfly. Their excitement grew as they eagerly located the tiles they had personally painted. Collectively, we celebrated the Greatest Generation and produced an elegant butterfly, giving subsequent generations a flight pattern—of faith, resiliency, and hope—to weather life’s uncertainties.
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