Porterdale Mill on the Yellow River NAMED for

VISIONARIES: THE ARTISTS

At first glance, the vividly colored paintings by Aurence seem to be worldly scenes of war (“Khe Sanh” 1968) and peace (Untitled [the Keep]). On closer look, they contain markers of the spirit. A white dog, Aurence’s “protector” during the Vietnam War, is ever present in his works, and exploding rockets punctuate the sky above even the most idyllic scene.

Aurence grew up Catholic in the mill town of Porterdale, Georgia. His family stayed for a while at nearby Conyers monastery. In 1965, he was sent to Vietnam, where he served as a Marine machine gunner on helicopters and was awarded two Purple Hearts. His war experience is often expressed in his work. He paints and makes pottery.

The four works by Aurence are from the collection of Marvin Jones

Spiritual paths can be found in the most common hours. When I picked up a paintbrush in 1994, I had no idea the path I would be traveling on. The path led me back to Vietnam. When I left Vietnam, I was expected to leave it all behind. Some may be able to claim that victory, but I doubt their sincerity.

I know little about art or the art world. I am humbled to know that my paintings have been embraced by the American public. My work has spread as far away as Venice, Italy. I paint to tell my story the best way I know how. I paint for all those who died in Vietnam, especially for my friend Danny Dean McGee, and for all the families whose loved ones never returned. My paintings are the soul of war; they are history preserved on canvas. To all the brave men who served in Vietnam, I paint for you, for we were brothers and my story is your story. Least we not forget the brave women of Vietnam, I salute you! I paint to tell your stories as well. We were all brothers and sisters in arms.

Semper Fi,

Aurence

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