I grew up hearing my parent's stories of their childhood years in the Netherlands during the Second World War. Living on family farms 15 kilometers near the German border they persevered during 5 years of occupation.  After liberation in 1945, my dad's dream as a young man was to start a new life in Canada.  My mom and dad were married in 1954 and immigrated to Ontario.  My current artwork is a tribute to their lives and all who seek freedom:  themes of hope, resilience and “rising above” the challenges of war and tragedy are explored in a contemporary way.