THIS PROJECT BEGAN AS A TRIBUTE to Trooper Mark Wilson from London, Ontario, who died in action in Afghanistan on October 7, 2006. At the time, we had 40 casualties and with the permission of the Government of Canada, I set out to document the faces of each.
The portraits are 18″ x 24″, painted in oil on maple panel. They are hand lettered and intended as an obvious set. I thought perhaps they might be exhibited in the nation’s capital one day or possibly go to the War Museum. On Remembrance Day of 2008, however, I had the honour of meeting with the Wilson family and it became immediately clear where these portraits belong—with the families.
These portraits are given free of charge to the families of the fallen. I receive no government funding of any kind and refuse to take payment from these families who have already paid so dearly. Nor can I do this alone. Thank you to all who have become a part of this project by purchasing landscape prints. With your support, the portraits become a gift from the hearts of many.
This website was created as a way to document and to share something that has become bigger than myself, to thank those who have so kindly given encouragement and support along the way, and to extend to you an invitation to become a part and join in this journey.
Peace be with you,
Stephen C. Gaebel
London, Ontario
I saw this in the news and i think what you are doing for these families is totally awesome, we were so moved that the portraits look just like the fallen soldiers. We just wanted to say keep up the great work the portraits are really a wonderful idea.
HI i saw this on the news…you are an amazing artist…you are truly making the memory of these soldiers Beautiful!!!! as a military wife i admire and respect you soo much….keep up the great work.
I saw this in the news and i think what you are doing for these families is totally awesome, we were so moved that the portraits look just like the fallen soldiers. We just wanted to say keep up the great work the portraits are really a wonderful idea.
+1
First time I have seen your work it is great. Proud of you as an artist and a nephew Uncle Paul
Hi, I wanted to add to your efforts to help memorialize these fine people, our fallen soldiers. To recognize the ultimate sacrifice made by them and their families and friends who miss them. I’ve developed a brand new site http://www.i-everafter.com where we can celebrate their lives, write on their cloud, photo and video galleries….etc I have not launched it yet to the public and I would be very honoured to have our fallen soldiers as some of the very first inductions in the Celebration Hall.
Hello Stephen, I send best wishes and see that you have definitely not slowed down. We met in a farmer’s market in eastern Ontario in 2010. I saw “you” again this week at a shopping centre Legion poppy Remembrance Day table. The soldier on duty told me of a project painting a van. When I find his card I will send the info. I do artwork to open the conversation about mental health. Ciao.
On behalf of the Karen Schuessler Singers, I would like to express our deep gratitude for sharing your gift at our Peacekeepers concert.
Doreen Campbell
President (and chorister)
Karen Schuessler Singers
Steve you are an inovative artist with a wonderful project..I will get your portrait information out to CFB Borden and CFB Halifax where our son and daughter-in-law were stationed at one time..perhaps they can share the news about your project
Penny