Shaping History: Gennie de Lange’s Ceramic Tiles & Poems Honoring Wartime Stories

In the world of art, there are few creations as powerful as those that intertwine history, personal experience, and deep emotional resonance. One such artist who has mastered this delicate balance is Gennie de Lange, a ceramic artist and poet whose work brings the lasting impact of war into sharp focus. Through her unique fusion of ceramic tiles and poignant poetry, de Lange has created a collection that not only honors the stories of wartime but also offers a voice to the quiet moments of human resilience, sorrow, and hope. Her book We Will Never Forget, which combines 50 war-themed poems with accompanying ceramic artwork, stands as a testament to both her artistic skill and the enduring human spirit in the face of conflict.

Gennie de Lange: A Life Shaped by Art and History

Born in New Zealand in 1942, Gennie de Lange's artistic journey has been deeply influenced by the world around her. Raised during the tumult of World War II, she grew up in her grandparents' expansive home, surrounded by a forested garden that sparked her early love for creativity. Her childhood experiences were further shaped by the profound impact of her father's wartime stories. A decorated pilot who led a New Zealand dive bomber squadron, her father survived a harrowing war experience in which only half of his squadron made it back. His tales of camaraderie, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of war planted a seed in young Gennie's mind, one that would grow into a lifelong exploration of the themes of war and resilience.

De Lange's artistic journey began early, but it was her dyslexia that helped guide her toward a unique creative path. Though she struggled with traditional learning methods, she was gifted with an innate artistic ability. This natural talent became her outlet, allowing her to communicate her feelings and interpretations of the world in a way words could not. She honed her skills in ceramics, studying at Wellington Polytechnic, The Hammersmith and Middlesex School of Art, and The Chelsea Pottery in London. Over time, she would use her ceramic tiles to express the complexity of human experience, combining rich symbolism with a stunning visual language.

We Will Never Forget: A Tribute to War and Resilience

Gennie de Lange's book We Will Never Forget is an exploration of the impact of war, both on individuals and on entire societies. The book pairs 50 evocative poems with her stunning ceramic artwork, each piece telling its own story of conflict, loss, and the enduring hope for a better future. The poems are deeply personal, reflecting not only Gennie's own understanding of war but also the stories of others, including the Ukrainian people whose resilience has inspired much of her work.

At the heart of the collection is a recurring symbol - a worn velvet antique toy known as "The Observer." This humble toy, whose unblinking eyes watch over the scenes of devastation and struggle, represents the innocent bystanders of war, those who witness its horrors without the ability to intervene. The Observer provides a lens through which the viewer can reflect on the broader impact of war, both on the innocent and the soldiers who are thrust into the chaos.

The ceramic artwork in We Will Never Forget is just as much a tribute to resilience as the poems themselves. De Lange's distinctive ceramic tiles are painted with shades of grey, symbolizing the muted tones of war, but each tile is imbued with a vibrant, almost stained-glass-like glaze after it emerges from the kiln. The tiles' transformation parallels the emotional journey of those affected by war - what begins as a somber and difficult process eventually gives way to beauty, even in the aftermath of destruction.

Key Poems from We Will Never Forget

Each poem in We Will Never Forget is paired with a piece of de Lange's artwork, adding another layer of meaning to the text. These poems are filled with vivid imagery that speaks to the heart of the human experience during wartime. Let's explore some of the key poems that stand out in the collection:

1. "In the Endless Fields"

This poem reflects on the vast wheat fields of Ukraine, forever altered by the ravages of war. The imagery in the poem draws parallels between Ukraine's struggles and Australia's Aboriginal history, linking past and present in a way that speaks to the universality of war's impact on the land and the people who inhabit it.

2. "We Must Flee"

A deeply emotional poem, "We Must Flee" paints a picture of families forced to abandon everything they know in the face of imminent danger. The poem captures the heart-wrenching decision to leave behind loved ones, homes, and memories in search of safety. This theme of fleeing war's horrors is echoed in the poignant imagery of the accompanying ceramic artwork, which depicts fleeing figures, leaving behind the remnants of their lives.

3. "The Dog Watched"

In this poem, Gennie de Lange focuses on the pets left behind during times of conflict. The image of a dog watching from the shadows is both whimsical and sorrowful, a reminder of the creatures that share our lives but often suffer in silence during wartime. This poem blends the seriousness of war with a touch of lightness, showing how animals can symbolize both the innocence and the resilience of those left behind.

4. "Clinging to Homes"

War often forces people to let go of their homes and possessions, but the human spirit remains determined to rebuild. "Clinging to Homes" is a poem of hope, emphasizing that even in the darkest moments, there is a desire to regrow and restore what was lost. The accompanying artwork mirrors this idea with vibrant colors and images of life beginning anew in the wake of destruction.

5. "There Must Be a Way Out of Here"

This poem expresses the despair and hope of those trapped in conflict, searching for an escape from the chaos surrounding them. It speaks to the resilience of the human spirit, the belief that there is always a way out, no matter how impossible it may seem. The accompanying ceramic art, with its glowing hues, echoes the theme of finding light in the darkest of times.

6. "The New Year Brings Courage"

A tribute to the unbreakable spirit of the Ukrainian people, this poem ties the arrival of spring to human resolve. Just as the earth renews itself after the harshness of winter, so too do people find the strength to carry on. The artwork here reflects the renewal of life, symbolizing both the literal and metaphorical rebirth that comes after the worst of times.

7. "In Memory of Dr. Andrew Bagshaw"

This poem honors Dr. Andrew Bagshaw, an aid worker who lost his life in Ukraine while helping others. The poem is a poignant reflection on compassion, loss, and sacrifice, while the artwork captures the sense of absence and the hope that those who give selflessly will never be forgotten.

The Impact of Gennie de Lange's Work

Gennie de Lange's work goes beyond just capturing the essence of war - it gives voice to those who have experienced it. Her ceramic tiles and poems not only honor the stories of soldiers and survivors but also offer a path for healing. By transforming the pain and destruction of war into beautiful works of art, de Lange encourages viewers to confront the past while offering a vision of hope for the future.

Moreover, the sale proceeds from her book We Will Never Forget go to a family orphanage in Ukraine, helping children who have been separated from their parents due to the ongoing conflict. This philanthropic effort underscores Gennie's belief in the power of art to make a tangible difference in the world. The young people of Ukraine, she believes, will one day rebuild their country with the same resilience and determination that she sees in the faces of those who have endured war.

Conclusion

Gennie de Lange's We Will Never Forget is not just a book; it is a tribute to the enduring power of the human spirit in the face of conflict. Through her ceramic tiles and poems, Gennie has created a work that speaks to the universal themes of loss, hope, resilience, and the possibility of renewal. As we reflect on the stories told through her art, we are reminded of the strength of those who have lived through war and the importance of remembering their sacrifices. In Gennie de Lange's own words, "We will never forget," and through her work, neither should we.