Grit. Wit. Extraordinary. Complex.
Army wives are a resilient breed. Placed in demanding roles because of their spouse's career, Army wives must learn to maneuver unchartered waters to keep their families afloat.
While some Army wives may wish their partners had chosen a different line of work, one spouse stiches together the work-life tensions by creating unique textile art depicting a seamless unity of time and space.
"The Army Wife series provides a unique glimpse into the heart of a military family that most of the public doesn't often see," said artist Kristin La Flamme, whose husband is a career Soldier. "Each work is unique to a specific experience as an Army wife. It is my hope that others will gain a greater sense of understanding and appreciation for our Armed Forces and their families."
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Calif., La Flamme's parents encouraged her at a young age to pursue her creative interests.
"My mother taught me to sew doll clothes, and later clothes for myself. She also taught me to knit, crochet, weave, and try just about any craft my sister and I showed an interest in," she said. "My dad was a graphic designer and often brought home blank paper pamphlets and markers for us to draw with. No one batted an eye when I said I wanted to go to art school for college."
La Flamme is passionate about her art, drawing her inspiration from everyday life capturing the essence of her memories in the colors, patterns, textiles and designs of each piece.
"Fabric is my favorite medium. I tried painting, in oils and acrylics, but it never really stuck," La Flamme said. "And, while I enjoy working in other media, I always come back to fabric because it's comforting and familiar."
The Army Wife exhibit is an ongoing series of narrative textiles telling the story of expectations and realities in the world of the military spouse, La Flamme said, her favorite piece being the work titled 'Home Fires.'
"I use common domestic forms such as aprons, quilts, and sheets with kitschy or cheery images to convey the very serious business of life and love -- a juxtaposition of expectations and reality of life as it clashes with the daily experiences as a spouse," she said. "Being a military spouse is challenging, but perhaps moreso when the Soldier is deployed."
La Flamme said it's typically during deployment periods when the car breaks down, the kids get sick, or it's 3 a.m. and you can't sleep that the sense of aloneness really sets in, but she does her best to keep it all close, holding that which is most dear: a home with roots for her family.
That longing is captured in Absence II, a multi-colored quilt with an outline of a male and female figure lying facing each other -- absent in life, present in spirit. Other works depict houses and landscapes, echoing her desire to find a place to settle down, establish roots and gain a sense of community.
"Like most military families, we've never lived long in one place, so I am also drawn to creating work with houses and roots, or villages and landscapes to look at but never actually inhabit," La Flamme said. "Being a military spouse has influenced my art in that I have the luxury of being a stay-at-home mom. But on the other hand, it is difficult to establish ties in an artist community or with local venues or teaching opportunities because we move before I can really make connections."
Television dramatizations depict the Army wife as the quintessential military spouse who is everything to everyone and manages the chaos with a serene smile. She is banker, lawyer, nurse, moving company, and manager, to name a few, but in reality, she is like every other woman.
"Each work attempts to peel away the already uncomfortable headlines about modern American warfare to expose personal issues about being second fiddle to the greater cause," La Flamme said. "There is strength, but it is soft and fragile. Through art, I confront my personal experiences, exposing my words, my insecurities, my fears and foibles for everyone to see. Hopefully there is also a greater experience in which others can recognize themselves."
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