Convoy PQ 17 was one of the Arctic convoys, a series of vital supply routes
during World War II that delivered essential war materials to the Soviet Union
via northern Russian ports. The route to Murmansk and Archangel was
particularly hazardous due to German naval and air forces, as well as the harsh
Arctic weather and ice conditions. Convoy PQ 17 suffered heavy losses, with only
11 out of 35 merchant ships reaching their destination.
The Soviet tanker
Azerbaijan was part of Convoy PQ 17, which sailed from Iceland to Murmansk and
Archangel in the Soviet Union during World War II. The convoy, which aimed to
deliver supplies to the Soviet Union, faced heavy attacks from German U-boats
and aircraft, resulting in significant losses. The tanker Azerbaijan, despite
being damaged by a torpedo, managed to make it to port with the help of its
crew, including the mainly female crew who fought to save the ship. The actions
of the crew, particularly the female members, in saving the tanker were
considered heroic in the face of adversity.
I created these small paintings on
some scrap wood that had random paint applied. Normally cut off scraps like this
end up in the bin. However- I found the random paint color and splashes
compelling and evocative in some way. So I held on to these for a couple of
years waiting for this project to come along.
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| 5"x7" |
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| 4"x8" |
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| 4.5"x4.5" |
