Vimy 100 is only three days away! We’ve been featuring stories about how our students have prepared for this historic event, and Explorica traveller went above and beyond to get into the spirit of remembrance. Kianna is a 17-year-old student attending Ponoka High School in Alberta. She created a stunning commemorative poster to represent the magnitude of the Battle of Vimy Ridge in Canadian history. We sat down with Kianna to learn more about her and what went into making the poster.
What gave you the idea to create this style of artwork?
In grade seven, I learned about creating artwork with names. You take a collection of words, usually something that relates to the subject matter, and use them to draw out a larger image. When I learned that there were 11,245 soldiers’ names from the First World War, I saw an opportunity to create artwork honouring those individuals by using their names.
Tell us about creating the final product. How long did it take you? Did you have help?
I started in October of last year, and I worked on it on-and-off. Overall it took me 90 to 95 hours of planning and working. I didn’t need help, I worked on the poster on my own and found the names on my own as well through War Graves Commission’s searchable database of soldiers. To make it, I had to draw the monument first and then put the names in but it was tough! The names would smudge on the paper, and I’d have to rewrite it. I had to do that three times.
Do you have any personal connections to those who fought during WWI or WWII?
I know my family has relatives who have fought in WWI, but it was hard to trace it back. Although, in class, we learned to research military files and understand how data was collected and organized back then. So I worked on a project to trace information on a soldier who was just 19 years old when he fought. I feel a connection, and a sense of pride for what the soldiers did being so young; they paid the ultimate sacrifice.
What do you think is the best way for students to stay connected to Canada’s history, particularly our war and peace efforts?
I think students should get physically involved with something related to Canada’s history. For example, being able to do some a project gives you a much better understanding (like this kind of artwork) because you have a physical thing that you can comprehend and you can see all the names. It makes a much stronger impact than reading textbooks or staying in class and just hearing about the past.
Have you travelled to Europe before?
I went on a family trip to Venice, Greece, Rome and Florence four years ago. I like Florence; it was less hectic, the atmosphere is peaceful, the architecture is excellent because it’s older and you don’t see modern buildings.
How do you feel about going on a history tour in Europe?
I think I’ll get more out of this trip because of the history theme; my teacher worked hard to customize the itinerary so we could see the cemeteries and graves where soldiers fought and were buried. It’s a whole other experience to be at the places where battles took place. When I travel I tend to spend a lot of time enjoying museums more than other activities because I want to learn about the city or country’s past and get a better understanding of all the things that have happened to make it the unique place that it is today.
Are there any destinations you’re particularly excited to visit?
Obviously, I’m so excited to go to Vimy to see the monument! And I’m also looking forward to going back to Florence and Paris, too. I’m looking forward to the Louvre, taking in the beauty of each city, and learning about our collective history.
Why do you think fellow students should study and be aware of Canada’s war history? What would you tell students who haven’t taken Canadian history or who are disinterested in the course?
I think they should be aware of Canada’s history because it has lead to what Canada is today; the majority of the people don’t know the history very well. I would tell them that it’s important to look back and see how we’ve developed as a country especially given the current way things are going politically around the world. How can we understand ourselves as citizens today if we don’t know our past as a nation? You can’t appreciate different perspectives if you don’t look back and see history from another person’s view. Soldiers had fought for the country, and it’s important to remember and not take that for granted otherwise, all their effort will be lost and difficult to comprehend today, where it’s important to see the value of having peace in Canada.
The official Vimy 100 ceremonies will take place on April 9th. Be sure to follow #Vimy100 for updates and more stories from the event!