About the poster "September Mourn"

In the months following the tragic events of 9/11 my mind was continually nagged to create a piece of artwork depicting my emotions about the day. Nearly a year flew by in a silent blur before I could convince myself that I could do a credible piece of artwork about September 11. My mind's eye was certain of what I wanted to express, but I was not convinced I could get my idea across to the viewer in the medium of monotype. This piece would not leave me alone. The image kept returning to my mind and I knew I had to try.

I wanted to portray to the viewer the bliss our nation was feeling prior to 9/11. I wanted the viewer to think of the Fourth of July, to feel the excitement we Americans experience on that day. After the initial glance the viewer immediately notices something is wrong. What is dripping? Could it be blood? It is disturbing. Our bliss was turned into heartbreak that day. The stars were blown off our flag and we came away from the experience feeling numb. On September 11 every American home had been the victim of the terrorist attack. As Americans, we were forever altered.

The name September Mourn is appropriate, as it was a September morning we, as Americans, will mourn forever.

September Mourn is a mixed media monotype that was made in stages. The rectangular piece at the top is a waterbased ink monotype. A wooden star was used for stamping the blue stars. Printmaking ink was thinned and dripped and spattered. When the paint dried I machine stitched red thread around the outside of the design to signify the thread in our flag, and knowing we will pull ourselves back together with the strength of being Americans. The original piece is 30"x 20" printed on heavy printmaking paper.

May God continue to bless America.



Joan Larsen