Vindicatrix Boy

This is the first release of renowned Port Adelaide artist John Ford’s new painting for ANZAC Light on the Water 2010.

Voted Community Event of the Year in 2009, this commemorative event on the Port River on Anzac Eve, April 24, will be a special tribute to everyone lost at sea in World War II.

That includes all army, navy, airforce, merchant navy, medics, nurses, small craft crew , wharfies and civilian men, women and children.

Millions of people of all nations who died on oceans and rivers and in harbours from Darwin to Vladivostok, will be represented by 3000 candle-lit cardboard lifeboats made by local school students.

Many local families and visitors from around Australia are expected to gather on McLaren Wharf outside Fishermen’s Wharf Markets, to the left of Lighthouse Square, from 6.30 pm to pay their respects and remember their loved ones.

Each year renowned John creates a painting on the theme of the event; last years was the Australian hospital ship Centaur; it featured on the front cover of the programme for the special national commemorative service in Brisbane Cathedral last month following the finding of the wreck by shipwreck detective David Mearns.

With numerous exhibitions and art awards, John is one of South Australias leading marine artists and his work has been commissioned for many Australian, international, private and corporate collections, including the Make a Wish Foundation, the SA Maritime Museum, the Royal Australian Navy, Australia Post and the ABC series Navigators.

He also teaches art professionally from beginners to advanced.