NY Firefighter Portrait Project

Michele Rushworth · 07-14-2002, 05:40 PM

Anyone else participating in the project organized by Margaret Herman to donate portraits to families of fallen NYFD 9/11 firefighters?

I'm about halfway through painting the piece I will be donating. It's a very moving experience, being in contact with the family, researching what I want to include in the painting, doing the composition, etc.

I'd be very interested in hearing about the experiences of anyone else involved in this project, too.

Cynthia Daniel · 07-15-2002, 06:35 AM

Michele,

You might want to respond to this post: http://forum.portraitartist.com/show...=&threadid=907

Michele Rushworth · 07-15-2002, 10:58 AM

Thanks, Cynthia. I wasn't aware that thread existed. Guess I should have searched my topic first!

Cynthia Daniel · 07-15-2002, 11:02 AM

Well, your post is different from the one where I referred you. You're asking for the experience of those who are already involved. So, I think this stands as a valid thread.

Renee Price · 07-16-2002, 08:22 PM

Michele,

I was told that I am next on the list and that I should be contacted shortly. Would you post your completed portrait? I would also like to know a little about the firefighter and your experience--IF it's OK with the family.

Renee Price

Michele Rushworth · 07-16-2002, 09:55 PM

The family I've been matched with is very private about this, especially while the painting is in progress, so I won't post their name or details. I will probably put the completed portrait on my Stroke of Genius website when it's finished, in the next month or so.

Lisa Gleim · 09-07-2002, 10:58 AM

Hi, Michele.

I too am participating in Portrait Project 9/11.
I returned from New York two weeks ago. I flew up there to meet the family of Tommy Foley. I was matched with them in July and felt that this project was too personal to do over the phone. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to meet with them. It was a meeting I will never forget.

I learned a lot about Tommy. He was 32 and a 10 year veteran of an elite rescue squad. He loved excitement and that's why he was a fire fighter. In 2000, he was People Magazine's #10 of 100 Most Eligible Bachelors, and had extra rolls on the Sopranos and Third Watch. He was a rodeo bull rider and did some sky diving. Needless to say, I was very impressed with his abilities.

The most rewarding aspect of this entire project for me is the fact that I am able to touch the lives of his family and offer them a lasting memorial that will be passed from generation to generation. It's also a very personal way to say thank you to those who risk their lives daily for you and me. I have never felt so honored or humbled in any volunteer role as I do with this. I only wish I could do more.

I have begun compositional sketches and hope to start the actual painting this week. There are several things that are important to his family and I want to make sure that they are represented in his portrait.

When the painting is completed, I plan to deliver it in person. I know that that will be a very emotional day.

I would love to hear about your experience with your family and to hear about your firemen as well. I think it is important that we tell their stories.

Lisa

Cynthia Daniel · 09-07-2002, 11:09 AM

Both Michele and Margaret Sargent have their 9/11 portraits posted on their web sites. Go to the Stroke of Genius main site and then Artists by Name to find them.

When I find the time, I plan to put up a page for 9/11 portraits.

Michele Rushworth · 09-07-2002, 01:00 PM

I would agree that doing and presenting the firefighter portrait also made me feel more honored and humbled than any other volunteer project I've ever done.

The firefighter I painted, Doug Oelschlager, was a loving family man with two young daughters. I also have two small daughters so I could relate in a very personal way to this man's life, at least outside of his role as firefighter. I wish I had known him.

I was in New York to present the painting to his widow just a few days ago. Afterwards she and I, accompanied by several NYFD firefighters, visited Ground Zero together. That was a moving experience I will never forget.

The widow and I have become good friends, though we had only spoken on the phone before I presented her with the painting. She told me yesterday that having the portrait in her home makes her feel like he is there, in a way, and that it makes her feel comforted for the first time since his death.

Patt Legg · 09-11-2002, 10:57 PM

Michele,

I have not learned quite as much as you have about my contact, Raffaella. I have begun the portrait, and she and I have talked about 4 times. But now that the anniversary of the 9/11 incident is here, I have backed off a little to give the family time. I too hope to go to New York to deliver the portrait within a month or so, but actually Rae (as she asked me to please call her) spoke as if she would consider coming here, too; I offered her a mini-time away for awhile, if she wishes, as I have pleny of room here in the 10 rooms with 4 extra beds.

We have talked so easily and I too feel a friendship developing. She was married to Lt. John, a 26 yr. member and founder of the Haz-Mat Co. and they have 3 teen boys. Actually, she just sent her eldest off to college (19yrs. old) and was considerably sad about that. Understandably so !

I am looking forward to talking to her soon. I have a problem with the arm patch and the insignia on his lapel, as she had only a black and white. I am checking now how to find out about those in order to render them correctly.

May I ask if your contact talked to you about your background, or did you present that to her? I will more than likely do my background plain, as being an officer, I feel the mood is one that is quite formal. Wouldn't you agree?