January 6, 2015.

This Christmas, my family embarked on a journey over the Atlantic to Berlin, Germany. My sister, Laura, and her family have lived there about 6 years, and I’ve been fortunate to be able to visit a total of 5 times now.  Every time I’m there, I’m always struck by the contrast of Berlin’s intense (and dark) history with the vibrancy, creativity and continual change going on today.

During our many walks throughout the city, we spotted the famous “TV tower” from different vantage points, and it became a beacon for my 4 year old son.  “There’s the TV tower!!” he would proudly proclaim if we rounded a corner and it stood visible on the horizon.  The tower is apparently the tallest accessible building in Europe, with a rotating restaurant and viewing area located in the sphere.

As a reminder of our trip, I wanted to pay homage to the TV tower, which has presided over the city during it’s dark days of oppression, division, upheaval, and now, days of peace, renewal and restoration.

The drawing is done in pen & ink, along with charcoal and soft pastels. The light breaking through the gloomy clouds is not only symbolic of Berlin’s tearing down of the infamous wall, but quite true of our own visit there. Winter in Berlin is notoriously gray and cloudy, and when the clouds did part to let a bit of sunshine through, people (including us) would literally stop in their tracks on the street to look up and soak in a momentary ray of light.

And here’s a photo of the T.V. tower for those unfamiliar with how it actually looks: