Mother's Prayer: A Photographic Exhibition
55 years of Cottage Life in the Eastern Townships.
By: Michael Cichon
“When the foundations of our home begin to shift, sentiments try to repair and maintain the constructs of memory until, eventually, the structure must be torn down. Then, the human spirit must either arise and rebuild or die. “
Michael Cichon
Josie Cichon, who was born on Oct 25th 1940 during a severe snowstorm, recently turned 80. Forty years after her husband’s death she still works maintaining the country house and property she bought in East Bolton, Quebec. Her husband was sick and the property was bought “in case they had to live off the land”. In 2005 her son, Michael Cichon, returned from Vancouver where he had a tea shop, and helped her demolish the family cottage that housed so many rich memories. Every weekend was devoted to helping his mother maintain the property.
He saw his mother struggling like Job in the old Testament; ever so faithful and devout despite the physical and emotional hardships she suffered. Collaborating with his mother, together they explored physical, emotional and mental landscapes in a combination of documentary and tableau photography. Over the years, Mr. Cichon edited and curated the images into a cohesive story and exhibition that he presented to his mother for her 80th birthday: an homage to her resilience and survival. The exhibit focuses on the years from 2005 to the present day, and is presented as a prayer.
Which Way Oh Lord
At this moment I know not which way to go or what to do. I pray for your guidance Oh Lord. The hour is getting dark and it will get darker still.
Artist: Michael Cichon
Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Medium: Giclee archival print. 100 % Cotton Rag. Lightly textured paper 300 gr
Print actual size: 20 x 14 Inches
Frame 26-1/8th x 20-1/8th Inches
Acid Free Matt
Deconstructing House and Home
We transformed a wooden box into a home and we filled it with memories. As a family we put life into this living room. At the kitchen table we broke bread and gave thanks to you Oh Lord.
Artist: Michael Cichon
Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Medium: Acrylic glass print
Print actual size: 12 x 8 Inches
Frame: 12 x 8 Inches
Dismantling Memories.
With time all things return to the earth. What was once my home is now gone. Plank by plank the walls have disappeared. A whole lifetime has shifted into the shadows of memory. Oh Lord I must let go.
Artist: Michael Cichon
Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Medium: Giclee archival print. 100 % Cotton Rag. Lightly textured paper 300gr
Print actual size:20×14 Inches
Frame 26-1/8th x20-1/8th Inches
Acid Free Matt
Mattress made of Memories
Year after year this matress has absorbed my worries and prayers Oh Lord. Every Pore of my being has seeped into the fabric.
Artist: Michael Cichon
Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Medium: Gatorboard
Print actual size: 12 x 8 Inches
Frame: 12 x 8 Inches
Burning Bed
Fear and worry have manifest into nightmares. Oh Lord not even fire can burn away what the mind stores.
Artist: Michael Cichon
Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Medium: Giclee archival print. 100 % Cotton Rag. Lightly textured paper 300 gr
Print actual size: 20 x 14 Inches
Frame 26-1/8th x 20-1/8th Inches
Acid Free Matt
Cremated Dreams
Only with my death will all my suffering be cremated along with my bones.
Artist: Michael Cichon
Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Medium: Giclee archival print. 100 % Cotton Rag. Lightly textured paper 300gr
Print actual size: 12 x 8 Inches
Frame 12 x8 Inches
Acid Free Matt
Fenced In
I feel caged and alone Oh Lord. Trapped. Nobody sees the thorns that pierce my mind.
Artist: Michael Cichon
Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Medium: Gatorboard
Print actual size: 12 x 8
Frame: 12 x 8
Panic Attacks
My mind is restless Oh Lord and my body wanders. Fear siezes my whole being. I am lost. Lord Please Help Me!
Artist: Michael Cichon
Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Medium: Giclee archival print. 100 % Cotton Rag. Lightly textured paper 300 gr
Print actual size: 20 x 14
Frame 20-1/8th x 26- 1/8th
Acid Free Matt
Night Terrors
In my darkest moments I scream in terror. Oh Lord! Bestow upon me your calm reassurance. Please comfort me during these long, terrifying nights.
Artist: Michael Cichon
Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Medium: Gatorboard
Print actual size: 12 x 8
Frame: 12 x 8
Journey of Job
Mornings are always cold. I lay and wonder, how can I go on? Your test has been harsh: death, grief, worry and a family to raise alone. Show me strength to get up and continue Oh Lord.
Artist: Michael Cichon
Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Medium: Gatorboard
Print actual size: 12 x 8
Frame: 12 x 8
Sickness
I married a sick man because I loved him. Til death do us part. Now, I remain alone with three children. Oh Lord, I pray to you with all my heart.
Artist: Michael Cichon
Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Medium: Gatorboard
Print actual size: 12 x 8
Frame: 12 x 8
Mother's Prayer
With light there is hope. My humble whisper to you my Lord.
Artist: Michael Cichon
Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Artist: Michael Cichon
Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Medium: Giclee archival print. 100 % Cotton Rag. Lightly textured paper 300gr
Print actual size: 20 x 14 Inches
Frame 20-1/8th x 26-1/8th Inches
Acid Free Matt
Providence
Teach me to focus Oh Lord and I will provide for my family. Your nature is abundant. You took my husband too soon. I must now teach my son to hunt and give thanks.
Artist: Michael Cichon
Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Artist: Michael Cichon
Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Medium: Giclee archival print. 100 % Cotton Rag. Lightly textured paper 300gr
Print actual size: 20 x 14
Frame 26-1/8th x 20- 1/8th
Acid Free Matt
A Mother's Heart Always Bleeds
A mother’s heart always bleeds and if you try to take the food from my children’s mouths… Beware. I now have a firm grip and I will defend my family from predators Oh Lord. I will defend them tooth and nail.
Artist: Michael Cichon
Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Medium: Giclee archival print. 100 % Cotton Rag. Lightly textured paper 300gr
Print actual size: 20 x 14 Inches
Frame 26-1/8th x 20- 1/8th Inches
Acid Free Matt
Eye for an Eye
I feel rage towards those who have taken food from my children’s mouths. Neighbors who turned their backs while I struggled. I helped all of them and now they laugh and insult me. Oh Lord, teach me to see without blood in my eyes.
Artist: Michael Cichon
Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Print actual size: 20 x 14 Inches
Frame 26-1/8th x 20-1/8th Inches
Acid Free Matt
Forgive my Trespasses
Forgive my trespasses Oh Lord. The outrage I feel when my neighbors’ trespass upon the land in spite. Their tracks, like heavy boots trudge upon heart. Deliver me from hatred Oh Lord, and let their hurtful deeds and words be written as if on the water’s surface.
Artist: Michael Cichon
Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Medium: Giclee archival print. 100 % Cotton Rag. Lightly textured paper 300 gr
Print actual size: 20 x 14
Frame 20-1/8th x 26-1/8th
Acid Free Matt
Mushroom Hunting
On hands and knees I bow before rotten stumps. I pray Oh Lord, and you provide me with such beautiful and delicious mushrooms.
Artist: Michael Cichon
Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Medium: Giclee archival print. 100 % Cotton Rag. Lightly textured paper 300gr
Print actual size: 20 x 14
Frame 20-1/8th x 26-1/8th
Acid Free Matt
Golden Light
I marvel at your Golden Light Oh Lord. I see and feel your energy. Thank you for your gift of sight.
Artist: Michael Cichon
Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Medium: Giclee archival print. 100 % Cotton Rag. Lightly textured paper 300 gr
Print actual size: 20 x 14
Frame 20-1/8 x 26-1/8th
Acid Free Matt
House in the Country
Thank You Oh Lord for providing me with a family that loves me and a home in my old age. From the age of three I was raised by Nuns while my mother struggled and moved from rented room to room. Finally, in my old age I feel peace Oh Lord.
Artist: Michael Cichon
Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Medium: Giclee archival print. 100% Cotton Rag. Lightly textured paper 300gr
Print actual size: 20 x 14
Frame: 20 x 18
Matt Acid Free
Printed by: Peter Maccabe
Price: $1200
Unframed: $1150
Artist: Michael Cichon
Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Medium: Giclee archival print. 100 % Cotton Rag. Lightly textured paper 300 gr
Print actual size: 20 x 14 Inches
Frame 20-1/8th x 26-1/8th Inches
Acid Free Matt
Well Stacked
Summer time, and while the grasshoppers play in the fields, I work stacking wood. I smile in your sunshine and enjoy the day. Satisfied, I will be warm in the winter.
Artist: Michael Cichon
Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Medium: Giclee archival print. 100 % Cotton Rag. Lightly textured paper 300 gr
Print actual size: 20 x 14 Inches
Frame 26-1/8th x 20-1/8th Inches
Acid Free Matt
Small Tractor
4 foot 11 inches: I stand tall in your service Oh Lord. With the grace of this small tractor, the modern mule, I will sing as I stubbornly work until it gets too dark to see.
Artist: Michael Cichon
Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Medium: Giclee archival print. 100 % Cotton Rag. Lightly textured paper 300 gr
Print actual size: 11.5 x 7.5 inches
Frame 12 x 8 inches
No Matt
A Bigger Shovel Please
I have toiled on hands and knees. It pleases me to be so close to the earth, but please Oh Lord can I have a bigger shovel?
Artist: Michael Cichon
Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Medium: Gatorboard
Print actual size: 12 x 8
Frame: 12 x 8
Clearing the Path for Growth
I will clear the path. Cut what is dead and make room for new growth to enter this glorious earthly garden. I was born to serve the land and I will make you proud Oh Lord.
Artist: Michael Cichon
Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Medium: Gatorboard
Print actual size: 12 x 8
Frame: 12 x 8
The Polish Wood Cutter
You have taught me how to work Oh Lord. Thank you for the strong work ethic you have given me. I use my strength well and will survive.
Artist: Michael Cichon
Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Medium: Giclee archival print. 100 % Cotton Rag. Lightly textured paper 300gr
Print actual size: 20 x 14 Inches
Frame 20-1/8th x 26-1/8th Inches
Acid Free Matt
Treeplanting
I am now old Oh Lord, but I will make sure the young get to see your beauty. New life will break through the surface. Seeds and saplings will bathe in your glorious light.
Artist: Michael Cichon
Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Medium: Giclee archival print. 100 % Cotton Rag. Lightly textured paper 300 gr
Print actual size: 20 x 14 Inches
Frame 20-1/8th x 26-1/8th Inches
Matt Acid Free
The Split: Empathy
The neighbors hear me as I chop wood. For them it is easy: they have a machine. How is it people cannot see and lack empathy? Help me accept the gifts you have bestowed upon my being and understand this split Oh Lord.
Artist: Michael Cichon
Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Medium: Giclee archival print. 100 % Cotton Rag. Lightly textured paper 300 gr
Print actual size: 11.5 x 7.5 inches
Frame 12 x 8 inches
No Matt
Small Shovel
I will work with the tools I have Oh Lord. With this small shovel I will get the job done even if it takes me three times as long.
Artist: Michael Cichon
Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Medium: Giclee archival print. 100% Cotton Rag. Lightly textured paper 300gr
Print actual size: 11.5 x 7.5
Frame: 12 x 8
No Matt
Burning Bush
I heard you so many years ago Oh Lord. You led me here to this mountain, and here I have built. I can still see your face in the flames and it comforts me as I continue to work; knowing I am right where I am supposed to be.
Artist: Michael Cichon
Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Medium: Giclee archival print. 100 % Cotton Rag. Lightly textured paper 300 gr
Print actual size: 20 x 14 Inches
Frame 26-1/8th x 20- 1/8th Inches
Acid Free Matt
Purity of Winter
Oh Lord you show me your purity in Winter. A blank canvas. I am made of the steps I have taken. The paths I have created, and how quickly they are erased with the wind and fresh snow. And we all start again and again; one foot in front of the other.
Artist: Michael Cichon
Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Medium: Giclee archival print. 100 % Cotton Rag. Lightly textured paper 300 gr
Print actual size: 20 x 14
Frame 26-1/8th x 20-1/8th
Acid Free Matt
Don't Fence me In
Because people don’t understand my words and actions they put me down. Because they are conservative and afraid to express genuine emotion’s they try to cage my spirit. Oh Lord, teach me to just be and share my energy with no shame.
Unframed:
Artist: Michael Cichon
Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Medium: Gatorboard
Print actual size: 12 x 8
Frame: 12 x 8
Turning the Other Cheek
You have taught me to affirm my truth even if it makes others uncomfortable Oh Lord. To them I will turn the other cheek, and continue to speak from my heart with pure intentions.
Artist: Michael Cichon
Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Artist: Michael Cichon
Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Medium: Giclee archival print. 100 % Cotton Rag. Lightly textured paper 300gr
Print actual size: 20 x 14 Inches
Frame 20-1/8th x 26-1/8th Inches
Acid Free Matt
Last Supper with a Roman
I continue to prepare banquets even if no one comes. I celebrate every meal as if it were my last supper. And so, I rejoice when a Roman gives thanks and shares the feast I offer in your honor.
Artist: Michael Cichon
Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Medium: Giclee archival print. 100 % Cotton Rag. Lightly textured paper 300gr
Print actual size: 20 x 14 Inches
Frame 26-1/8th x 20-1/8th Inches
Acid Free Matt
Safe Isolation
During this world sickness I thank you Oh Lord for being safe and not forgotten. With madness raging I will not panic. I will retain my humanity and faith in you Oh Lord.
Artist: Michael Cichon
Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Medium: Epson Exhibition Fiber Paper. 325gr
Print actual size: 20 x 14 Inches
Frame 20-1/8th x 26-1/8th Inches
Acid Free Matt
