청년시절에 한국전쟁에 참전했던 로저 스트링햄(93)이 당시 전선에서 스케치했던 그림들이 뒤늦게 공개되었다. 한국전쟁유업재단(Korean War Legacy Foundation) 홈페이지에 수록된 60여점 중에서 일부를 소개한다.
[출처] https://koreanwarlegacy.org/roger-stringham-artwork
Roger Stringham
He was born and raised in Berkeley, California, where he developed an affinity for art at an early age. Pursuing his artistic interests, he enrolled in an art school upon graduation from Berkeley High School. His time there was cut short, however, when he was drafted into the Army in late 1950. Over the following years from 1951 to 1952, he served in the Korean War with both Item and Headquarters Companies of the 21st Infantry Division, conducting patrols and guarding supply lines among other duties.
Stirred by the beauty of the Korean landscape, his artistic talents came to life as he documented his experiences through sketches. Materials were scarce on the front lines, and he often resorted to using the bottom of empty beer, cigarette, and toothpaste cartons that had been disposed of to draw what he saw during war. One-by-one, he mailed his sketches home in letters to his family, keeping them informed and ensuring them he was okay. His mother, an artist herself, submitted the sketches to the San Francisco Museum of Art where they were exhibited in 1952.
Stationed in Japan for several months prior to returning home, he purchased watercolor paper and paints, eager to capture the feeling of safety. The city lights of Sedai, Japan, after having spent a year in Korea amid the ravages of war, were a welcoming and impressionable sight. His paintings bring to life the final phase of his service.
The Korean War Legacy Foundation is honored to showcase Roger Stringham’s collection of sketches and watercolor paintings. Beautifully hand-crafted, they tell the story of a soldier’s life in a war fought on foreign soil and aimed at preserving freedom and democracy on the Korean peninsula. To view Roger Stringham’s full interview and selected clips, please visit Roger S. Stringham.
Skirmishes in Korea
Roger Stringham recounts that he was attending art school when he was drafted into the Army in late 1950. He recalls receiving his four-month basic training at Camp Roberts in California and being shipped to Korea shortly thereafter. He offers an account of the skirmishes he experienced and speaks of lives lost from a machine gun burst.
Unique Letters Home
Roger Stringham recounts his parents' reaction when he was drafted into the war. He shares that it was very difficult for them, but to him, it was an adventure. He recalls writing letters home and details how he would include a sketch as a means of telling the story of his experience.
Out on Patrol
Roger Stringham explains that he spent his first six months in Korea serving in Item Company of the 21st Infantry Regiment and the last six months in Headquaters Company. He recounts his duties in Headquarters Company which entailed night patrols through the hills in temperatures that reached fifty degrees below zero at times. He shares he did not regret the experience but adds that he thought often of his friends while there and has since experienced PTSD.
Post War: Career and Korea's Transformation
Roger Stringham offers an overview of his life post war. He recalls returning to school where he earned a degree in physical chemistry from UC Berkley, traveling the world and painting along the way for two years, and returning to Korea on multiple occasions to deliver lectures in academic arenas. He elaborates on Korea's transformation, describing it as unbelievable, and emphasizes how it shows what people have inside of them is magic.