This weeks theme at Gothic Arch Challenge is to create an arch using “heritage” as your theme. I decided to use this photo of my Grandparents – Peter and Jeannie Maxwell with my Aunt Greta and Uncle James. It was taken right before they left their homeland of Scotland and came to America to settle. My Dad and his brother Jack were born in America a few years later.
My grandfather was a 7th generation coal miner. He came to America settling his family in Terre Haute, Indiana. He mined coal in Indiana and also for a time in Colorado (leaving his family there)…a few years after my Dad was born they moved to Detroit, Michigan. Grandpa eventually worked on the assembly line for Ford Motor Company. Grandma had a job sorting seeds for Ferry-Morse Seed Company.
My Grandfather died shortly after my 4th birthday (I was born on his 70th) and I remember him being a kind and gentle man. He was also a poet. My grandparents were proud to become American’s, but also very proud of their Scottish heritage.
Nancy, this is so beautiful. I love everything about your arch and it was nice to read about your heritage.
Debby
Very pretty arch Nancy – liked reading your history also.
how special… liked it.
WOW what a gorgeous arch! I love all the family history! I do not know any of my family history!
Beautiful 'Heritage' arch, Nancy!
Thanks for sharing your story and another thank you for leaving lovely comments on my blog.
JudyNZ
Glad to see you found time to create! This theme is obviously right up your alley, what you do best. Love the photograph and all the elements surrounding it!
Nancy
This arch is simply unique. Using your grandparents is just so lovely! I sure enjoy your blog and all of your art!
You are another one of my inspirations.
Patti
Wow Nancy this is a brilliant arch. Very special.
It's beautiful Nancy and nice to read the story behind the picture.
really beautiful arch!!! love the crowns!!
What an absolutely stunning arch again. You added so many great details. Just love it!
Nancy, your arch is fantastic!
Beautiful! Like the Family picture!
Beautiful arch Nancy!
Beautiful arch Nancy !
This is so lovely, I bet you have loads of photos of your heritage!
Its gorgeous and what a beautiful photo.
great and beautiful arch nancy!! i love your family history!! you know so much things about your family and you have photos!! taht's wonderful !
Nancy, another wonderful creation and display of your incredible talent.
I especially love when your pieces are accompanied by your family story.
Wonderful arch!!!
Stunning arch and I love the tartan background too. Thanks for sharing your family's history with us!!
Lovely Nancy.
I like how you are always able to incorporate your lovely family photos. This one is esp nice! I've got to try this different arch shape, too. I really like it.
Gorgeous arch and thanks for sharing your family history. (Poetry runs in the blood of Scots! It's in my family too.) Great job, Nancy.
it's a wonderful tribute of your family ! very beautiful arch !
I'm not sure if my comment went thru (glitch?) But this is a wonderful tribute!
Nancy, as always your arches here are fantastic and beautiful! I just wanted to pop over and see how you and the family (how's Andrew?) are doing? thinking of you!
Hi–just checking in as I like to see what you've created lately–I just love your artwork! I continue to keep your son in my prayers. Take care . . . Jann
Your arch is lovely and I loved to read your story. Thank you.
What a creative and precious way to honor your family heritage. You'll have to pass this artwork on the the next generations!
Creatively Yours, Laura
Nancy…this arch is gorgeous and thanks for sharing the stories about your family and ancestors. They are so interesting to read.
Hope you are having a wonderful weekend :)
Gorgeous Arch Nancy. Hope you are keeeping well. hugs sarah xx