By: Lisa Austin, Artist
When I won the Gun Violence Reduction contest for the Less is More organization, I proposed creating an art installation consisting of a hanging banner of names of those dying from gun violence to be memorialized and a corresponding book of their stories. I had been active in gun reduction projects since 1968 and I felt I had the experience as a volunteer and a relative, to understand the topic. My cousin had been accidentally murdered on a train pulling out of Louisville in 1952 as he was called back into the Korean War. He was a highly decorated Marine who had survived every battle in the Pacific theater only to be killed on a train by a drunk waving around a loaded gun. I was too young to remember him but it affected my family for generations and was an impetus to beginning my journey as a volunteer against gun violence. His name will appear on the banner and my story is about generational trauma of gun violence will be in the book that accompanies it. I am also honoring my law school mentor who committed suicide. I have a graduate school friend who also committed suicide with a gun and a student who was murdered as well. It was about fifty years ago and all I can remember are their first names……. no matter how hard I try to remember their last. I have never forgotten them however,
I am just an ordinary person who has experienced more gun violence in my life than I realized. You probably are too. I am seeking people who wish to honor someone on the banner. They must have been Louisville residents who were killed by a gun through homicide, suicide or accidental death. I will stamp with acrylic paint their names on a seventeen-yard piece of cotton canvas. Each name will have a number and a book of stories which tell whatever the nominee wants about their person. The book will be displayed on a podium next to the banner. The installation, as of this date, will be shown in a local gallery; metro hall and all Louisville Free Public library branches with more locations to come. I want the city to see what we have lost and who could have contributed to our community had they lived.
All nominees will be treated with respect at all times. I will not alter your story and anyone who fits the criteria will be placed on the banner with an accompanying story in the book. I don’t care what your story is about. If it is more than you can bear but you want the name on the banner, simply write “it is more than I can bear “ or whatever you are feeling. I consider that a story also.
If you are interested in nominating a person, please send your name and interest to honoringthelost@gmail.com. I will send you an attachment explaining the project further with some prompts to help you write; an attachment of optional format; a waiver of liability with instructions to figure out the legalese.
You are not obligated to nominate someone if you read all I send and, for whatever reason, you decide you don’t want to participate in the project.
However, I believe, from personal experience, keeping it inside because of shame, guilt embarrassment grief or whatever emotion you are feeling does nothing but make the death live sadder in your heart and mind until you can let it go.
This is a way to let it go; to celebrate your person. You have more support than you can imagine and more in the same situation than you think.
Please rest assured if you do participate that your nominee will be treated with respect and kindness no matter their story or yours. I hope you will decide to honor the lost.