MOORE — As more service men and women are sent overseas and many not making it back, more and more people at home are finding ways to support the soldiers.
One Tulsa artist, Amy Whitaker, is using her drawing talents to honor those who have not made it home and Master’s House in Moore is framing her Works of Heart.
Works of Heart are graphite drawings Whitaker will do of any Oklahoma soldier. There is no charge for the drawing and Master’s House does not charge for the frame.
“Every time I watch the news and I see the names scroll down, it really tugs at my heart,” Whitaker said. “That is a son and daughter, brother and sister, father and mother, sibling that is now lost.”
Whitaker wants the families to know she appreciates their sacrifice and wants to share her “gift that God has given me to draw to hopefully provide them with something that will give them comfort.”
As she draws the portraits, she places them on her website and writes a little about the soldier.
She said that many families are not ready until about two years after their loved ones are gone. She finished her first drawing of Sgt. Daniel Eshbaugh in March.
“My first widow was in Norman,” Whitaker said. “I met her and its really emotional for everybody. It was very special to meet with her and have her share more information about Daniel and get to meet his kids. Its just a neat thing.”
Whitaker wasn’t born an artist and started drawing about three years ago.
“One evening I was inspired by my son’s number two pencil left on the kitchen table,” she said. “I picked it up and started sketching a picture. I had always wanted to learn to draw, but never had the time or money for art classes. That evening, as my pencil moved across the page, the drawing slowly came to life and something inside me stirred.”
When Whitaker is not drawing or working part time at her children’s school, she is at home with her husband and three children, ages 13, 11 and 7.
Those who would like a Works of Heart can go on her website, www.amycwhitaker.com or e-mail her at amycwhitaker@me.com.
“My Works of Heart is my way to say ‘Thank you’ and ‘I’m sorry’, Whitaker said.
