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In Memory of Martin Robinson by Pat Robinson
Martin Robinson: 3rd September 1984 – 16th October 1998
Martin was the 6th child and youngest son of Pat and Paul. Brother of Mark, Simon, Luke, Tim, Louisa, Emily and Charlotte, he was diagnosed with a brain tumour on 15th December 1997. He died on the 16th October 1998.During his illness Martin spent a lot of time with Leslie, his starlight fairy, planning his wishes. Unfortunately he died before his first wish was granted.He planned to the last detail a trip to the rainforest and fishing on the Great Barrier Reef. The flight was booked for 18th October but he died on the 16th October. His second wish was a shopping trip to Hobby Co. The third wish, which nobody was told about, arrived 2 days before he died. It is a wonderful home entertainment system for his family because he would not be there for them. It is a gift so treasured and so typical of Martin – always caring about everyone else – just the most extraordinary young man and loved and respected by so many. The 3rd September 2005 marked his 21st birthday and on this day his family had a big party to remember him and celebrate his life. The Dunny held pride of place and was the source of much comment and admiration and the recipient of some money for Kirk.Martin would have loved it all and would expect his family to do this. So there is a sum of money ($350) to go to Kirk’s wish in memory of Martin.God Bless you Kirk and may you enjoy your wish and have a happy and creative life.PMR 08.09.05
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"The Face of Autism" by Theresa Taylor
 Teresa makes a mosaic of Madeleine ...look deeply into the mask..."
Autism found its way into our family six years ago. Our beautiful first born, Madeleine, was diagnosed at three years of age. We noticed her slipping away at about 19 months old, but had no idea it was more than temporary. As a parent, you have to grieve for the baby you once knew, and learn to live with the stranger she has become. Autism has a very wide spectrum, and every individual with autism has unique traits. My latest mosaic is my daughter's face. I yearned for a way to show the world her prison, and her beauty at the same time. I titled this piece "The Face of Autism". Madeleine was a very patient model, whilst I rigid-wrapped her face, despite her issues with tactile sensitivity. Once the rigid wrap dried, I put flexbond mortar on it, and then a cement slurry. Once it cured, I proceeded to mosaic. I started with the interior. Inside the mask, I put many pieces of mirror, along with two large pieces, which I first shattered, then added them in.This symbolizes the shattered way someone with autism may view their surroundings, how their understanding may be warped, not perceived correctly.
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Madeleine said to me, "mommy, put more flowers on my mask! More!" And, of course, I did. |
The rest of the mirror is in a way to show that when someone gazes in, they see their own reflection, to which I say, not much difference between that person and the autistic individual in the immediate glimpse shown, eh? Sometimes the feelings of sadness and isolation are paralysing. The front of the mask is full of emotions. One eye, done in mirror, is to show that sometimes looking into the eyes of the affected individual, they are glazed over, and you cannot get a response. The other eye is shut and weeping. For them, and they do not allow anyone to become close. There are many, many, many tears. The various colour of tile is for mood swings that can happen at the drop of a hat. Displaying fear and anxiety that grips and controls them. Flowers show that despite the rigid look, beautiful things are shown. One just needs to know how to see them. The dichroic glass if for colours of the rainbow, my daughter absolutely loves rainbows, and has been drawing them for years. The white and pink flowers signify their vulnerability and innocence, in an aggressive world. They may seem to be cold people, but they are purely innocent. The rest of the flowers are because, Madeleine said to me, "mommy, put more flowers on my mask! More!" And, of course, I did. Madeleine fills our days with rainbows and flowers. We are blessed to have her.
--by Teresa Taylor, "Taylor Made Mosaics"
Sandy's note to Madeline:
Hi Madeline...what a beautiful gift your mum has made for you! You must have sat so still for the mask to turn out so beautifully! Well done! Your story will touch so many, Madeline, and I send you loads of love, laughter and kisses from the beautiful land Downunder! xxxx let all your tears be of joy and keep on making mosaics with mum. Madeline, I have driven through many rainbows and I am trying to find a very special picture for you that I took a few years ago. As soon as I do, I will send it to you, it is now your own special rainbow.This beautiful mask is an inspiration to us all...what reached out an touched me was the love that radiates from the mask...the love of a family for their beautiful daughter and the need for the compassion, understanding and love for everyone on this planet! Please send your feelings on this beautiful story to me and I will collate a page of responses. Mosaic art touches all hearts, minds and souls. Use your hands to make a mosaic story. Feel the tingling up your spine and the heart glow as your passion overflows into your art.Perhaps we could all send Madeline good wishes and a rainbow or flower mosaic for her bedroom?
Add Your Art From The Heart Story
If you have a mosaic related story to tell - humorous, deep and meaningful, or just something that needs to be told, contact MAANZ Upcoming Stories:
The St Gerasimos Mosaic Community Project – Project Gerry
Three Reproduction panels of Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary and St Gerasimos – a Sydney based mosaic project working in smalti. Keep checking back for the complete mosaic mural in the making…..by Nola and the team. |
"The Face of Autism" by Theresa Taylor