Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Historic Day


Whether you voted for him or not today was a historic inauguration of our 44th president. I was compelled to do this quick sketch from the CBS broadcast of the First Couple after they finished singing the National Anthem.




Historic Day Graphite on paper, 8.5 x11 inches
$15











On a lighter note I was just "tagged" by my friend and fellow artist Judy Mackey. I'm supposed to revealed 7 interesting things about myself and then tag 7 other artists so they can do the same. Let's see if I do this correctly.

1. I found out I had a half sister who was born a year ahead of me when I was 36 years old.

2. My grandmother Sophie Borodkin was a chief for the Eyak tribe in Cordova Alaska and one of two native speakers until she died a month after I learned about her existance. My mother and she had a falling out when my half sister was born and I never had a chance to meet her. My grandaunt was the last native speaker of the Eyak language and was featured in many forms of media when she died last year.

3. I didn't know my parents (my dad is second generation and my mom half) were both interned in Camp during WWII when they were teens until I learned of this piece of history in College. Now my son is learning about this in Middle School.

4. I was the first Asian female to be hired at my Police Dept. The only female in my Police Academy class and the first female to be selected to be a traffic officer and Internal Affairs Investigator at the same Dept. I was also a Hostage Negotiator and a Trauma Support team member for other employees. My favorite co-assignment during my last years was being part of a team of Press Information Officers. They always asked me to talk to the Press ( TV, Radio and AP) when the tough cases came because they figured they (the press) would go easy on me. NOT!

5. I had my last child just before I turned 43. She's now a feisty sixth grader and gets along well with her older 14 year old brother. Both my kids are artistic.

6. I played co-ed intermural basketball in college and being the only gal on the team where one of the players was George Foreman's younger brother they called the team, "Sheila's Army".

7. Though from the time I was about 10 to the present, life has thrown its challenges and taken me to very dark places in the world and in myself, I choose to focus on the light ahead of me and take the time to tell my kids and people I meet why I appreciate them every chance I get. I know life is fleeting and precious and I may never get a chance to let special people know how they've given me their gift of friendship or support and do it when I can. Blessings to you all.

I'm tagging:
R. Garriott, Ed Burton , Diane Hoeptner, Margaret Mayer, Dana Cooper, Kristen Duer and Paula Villanova.

I apologize in advance if you've been tagged in the past.


18 comments:

r garriott said...

Hi Sheila,
That's beautiful! You would've made a great courtroom artist as well.

Thanks for the kind comment on the Jeff Mem-- I was amazed at how difficult I found it.

I posted the first photo editing tip today in your honor: "How to Afford Photoshop". Hope you find it useful!
~R

G.M. said...

Hi Sheila,
How did you draw this so fast? It looks great!
Thank you so much for leaving me the nicest compliment on my Jefferson Memorial painting!!
Gretchen

Dana Cooper said...

Great likeness!

Unknown said...

Okay.. I have to give you the big "secret" lol. I used pause for two different images on the screen of my TV. DVR is great. Now there is no mystery and you can all do the same and dazzle your friends and family!

Diane Hoeptner said...

What a great 7... packed full of drama and intrigue. You've had such an interesting and challenging life, Sheila. When I read your comments, I know you are "the real deal." --a person to be relied upon, and one who knows how to get what they want. .....On a side note, there is no way in Hades I will compose a second list of unusual things about me. (Sorry!) The first one nearly made me quit blogging (It was that hard to write.) I'm honored by the request, but I have to take a pass. (:

Stephen Gardner said...

Hi Sheila, wow what a life you have lived, I'm really impressed. The drawing is great and the fact that you drew it from the TV is amazing. Capturing a likeness is so hard and managed two in one. You have a natural talent and clearly you have enthusiasm so now its all just keeping it up. I'm looking forward to seeing more. Thank you.

adebanji said...

An amazing post again and the sketch of the President and his wife has a force about it that shows you did it with all your might! Never can any man/woman criticize what a person did with all their heart! I can feel it! That's the power I perceive in this sketch!!

Unknown said...

Sheila, I love the sketch of the Obamas, showing them intertwined but looking in different directions. Thank you for your 7 statements, they are powerful as well, and honest. This shows in your work.

Kate Merriman said...

Sheila,
Love your sketch and also your tag items - you've had a fascinating life!

Douglas Hoover said...

Sheila, you are really showing your talent! Great sketch of our President and First Lady! That's how it's done. Wonderful getting to know you. ~D.

Unknown said...

I had no idea all those interesting facts about your family! They are so very interesting. Wow.
Hellenne V.

Edward Burton said...

Wonderful sketch of our President and First Lady, Sheila! Thank you for "tagging" me, however, Dominique tagged me in December. I am honored that you thought of me.

Carol Schiff Daily Painting said...

Sheila, You and your family have lived the most interesting lives, thank you so much for sharing it with us.
Love you sketches, what a talent!

Mary Paquet said...

Sheila, yesterday was so busy that I just checked your blog today. Wow, great drawing of the first couple. I was so moved by the all the events in Washington.

Thanks for the interesting facts about your life. You are very special!!

artbyakiko said...

Sheila, what an interesting life you have!! You should write a book or two.
The drawing of Barak and Michelle is beautiful!! And, thank you for not tagging me. :)

Paula Villanova said...

Hi Sheila! I really like this drawing of our new first couple...they make an attractive pair, don't they? I think alot has to do with their individual demeanors which I believe you caught here. Thanks for sharing your secret about how you got them to pose for you!

Thanks also for tagging me. Unfortunately, I was recently tagged so I believe I should sit this time out...but I am totally honored that you thought of me for this!

Best of luck with the DSFDF challenge...architecture is fun...really (!) You'll be fine!

Trevor Lingard said...

Hi Sheila
You are one interesting lady.
Your paintings arn`t bad either..actually very good. An nice sketch of the President and especially his wife. I hope you are successful with the RSPCA scheme. I am sure the animals will benefit from your generousity.
Best Regards

RobCarey said...

Great sketch, Sheila! Really captures both of them. And thanks for sharing such interesting facts about your life. You are right. It is important to cherish those around us, as life is so fleeting. God has been gracious to you, and you now know what is most important.