The Living Wake
Image Description: There are four versions of the same digital illustration. The first version features Arthur Lester at the center of the frame, dressed in a stained WW1 trench coat, his right gloved hand clutching his left against his chest. His head is downcast looking to the right, jaw clenched and tears running lines through the dirt on his face. In front of him there is an above ground ornate stone crypt. On top of the crypt stands his lighter, its flame burning brightly, the small warm glow touching Arthur's side and Johns cloak. John stands directly behind Arthur, his large black shape like a barrier between Arthur and the grey purple skies above. His left arm is lifted up, becoming Arthur's left arm at the front. His head is pitched skyward as he eulogises. His eyes are unfocused, remembering, and tears are running down his ashen face. They grieve his life, their life, and death. Behind them in the distance are the inky blurred silhouettes of people watching on silently.
The second version is identical to the first but Arthur is also wearing a gas mask over his head, hiding most of his face, only his tightly closed eyes can be seen through the tarnished glass lenses of the mask. The third includes large scale gothic blackletter purple lettering over the top of the artwork that read "The Living Wake". The fourth and final is a close up of Arthur and John from the version where you can see his face.









