Not Far From Home - My first experience with catastrophic death occurred in 1970 while walking home from elementary school. The Saint France Park parking lot was full of police cars. An ambulance was slowly pulling out and driving away. I found out from my friends that a man sitting at the picnic table had shot himself in the head. Later, after the clean up crew left we all shuffled over to take a look. The bucket of water and turned over dirt did little to hide the bloody bits and pieces. Many years later the City removed the picnic table.
I have not thought much about this event over the years, not until I started this series of drawings. While sitting and drawing this location vivid images of that day came clearly to mind, indicating that I had mentally boxed this event away, not to be opened until today. 2000 St. Frances St. Dallas TX.
All Images copyrighted by the artist, Brad Ford Smith 2023