An exhibit at the Canadian War Museum highlights the contributions and experiences of women in war and conflict. Yano Blakey's Reiko, Alberta, 1945 (2010).
The work of Elise Findlay — the Canadian War Museum’s first artist-in-residence — in an exhibit at the Canadian War Museum thoughtfully incorporates the experiences of women veterans and civilians, highlighting their resilience, commitment and contributions during times of conflict.
Outside the Lines is a powerful look at military history through 70 works made by 52 women artists over two centuries. It includes paintings, sculptures and textiles, all featuring the contributions and experiences of women in war and conflict. Findlay’s work appears at the end, as a small collection of textile pieces that respond to others in the show.
The artist residency program engages emerging artists from across Canada to create new works that explore themes related to military history and human conflict.
Findlay’s work, titled Threads of Memory, is a mixed-media collection that delves into the personal stories of Canadian soldiers through a series of interconnected textile pieces, each of which represents individual experiences from various conflicts.
Findlay used the wool used in Second World War uniforms to create Gas Mask, which was inspired by Molly Lamb Boback’s 1944 painting, Gas Drill, which is also in the show. Bobak joined the Canadian Women’s Army Corps in 1942, and in 1945, became the first woman appointed an official Canadian war artist.
In Paint Brushes, made with deconstructed fibres, Findlay pays homage to a portrait of Jennie Carignan by celebrated contemporary war artist Gertrude Kearns. Carignan was the first woman appointed chief of the defence staff for the Canadian Armed Forces.
Together, Findlay’s work is a poignant reminder of women’s strength in keeping families and communities together amidst chaos and a bridge between the perspectives of the original artists and Findlay’s contemporary reflections.
“The laborious process of pulling threads one by one connected me to the piece and its history,” Findlay explains. The process was a link to the meticulous and often unrecognized work that women performed.
Drawing inspiration from her grandfather’s war medals, the stories of her family’s legacy in war are woven into Findlay’s pieces. Her grandfather’s experiences and her trip to Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day deeply influenced her work.
Outside the Lines allows visitors to connect with the personal and emotional aspects of history, highlighting the vital role of women in times of conflict. “When I first saw the call for the residency, I didn’t feel connected to war and conflict. However, seeing my grandfather’s war medals in Ontario sparked my interest in my family’s legacy in war,” she recalls.
Through her thoughtful use of materials and storytelling, Findlay not only commemorates the sacrifices and experiences of veterans, but also ensures the stories of women in conflict are brought to the forefront.
Her work offers a chance for visitors to engage with the past, bridging the gap between history and personal connection, and ensuring that these important narratives continue to resonate with future generations.