Author Archives: Julie Chen

 

{Firefighter art is available HERE}

Today I wanted to share with you the “behind the scenes” artistic process of my firefighter art. This piece is near & dear to my heart, as I originally created it not to sell at all, but simply as a gift for my father who is a retired lieutenant of the Rockford fire department. That is his helmet in my photo, as well as a piece of hose he normally hangs on “the fire wall” in my parents’ house.

Firefighting runs deep in my blood. My family uniquely contains 3 generations of firefighters: my grandfather, father & now brother who is active on the force. I grew up loving to visit my dad at the station, sliding down the pole, hopping in the truck, and gleefully covering my ears while the sirens wailed. I also heard countless stories around the dinner table of the thrills of firefighting, some of which would make me put my fork down & say, “Enough!”

{talk about a throwback! My Favorite Little Mister visiting Grandpa at the fire station!}

I created this piece for my dad’s birthday. As I researched quotes, most often the firefighter’s prayer would pop up in search engines, but I did not want to use something so common. Then, I came across this quote from Chief Edward Crocker who was the fire chief of New York City in 1910 and something moved in my heart, knowing THIS is the quote. You see, every firefighter I know believes their work is so much more than a “job”… it is their calling. They live it, breathe it, and quite literally sacrifice their lives for it. Here is Chief Crocker’s famous quote:

I have no ambition in this world but one, and that is to be a fireman. The position may, in the eyes of some, appear to be a lowly one; but we who know the work which the fireman has to do believe that his is a noble calling. Our proudest moment is to save lives. Under the impulse of such thoughts, the nobility of the occupation thrills us and stimulates us to deeds of daring, even of supreme sacrifice.

When I gave my art to my father, he cried. When I gave it to my brother, he cried too. I know their hearts of service. I know how meaningful it is to be appreciated and honored, something the unsung hero does not often receive.

Recently a firefighter from Texas purchased my canvas

& this is the note he sent me after receiving the art:

When I first saw this piece of art it really stirred up a lot of old feelings I had about being in the Fire Service, and as I look at it now hanging on my wall between two of my old helmets, I can’t help but feel extremely proud about my chosen profession.

But at the same time, I am also extremely humbled that you have honored all of us in the Fire Service this way, and I can’t tell you how grateful I am to you for this wonderful and heart-touching expression of love that you originally made for your own family of firemen, but have also made it available to firefighters everywhere.

I am so grateful to be a small part in encouraging such a profession! Now thru the end of April, the firefighter art is 30% off as I hope you too will touch the firefighter in YOUR life. {And, we all know how every firefighter likes to decorate with fire stuff!}

Grace & Peace,

Julie