“Unspoken Courage”
In 2001, Pomm traveled to New York City a week after the September 11 tragedy to assist with the relief efforts and painted a huge, three-panel mural of the American flag. Pomm was inspired by this experience in New York. After seeing such dedication and bravery around her at every turn, she resolved to pay tribute to these courageous heroes in the best way she could, through her art. Thus, the watercolor painting "Unspoken Courage" was born.
"I painted this painting from my heart," the artist says. "I wanted people to see that courage, honor and unity are the virtues that have been born from such a tragic event and that we should continue to strengthen them."
The painting depicts a New York firefighter with two children gazing out to a waving American flag. At the bottom of the print is a plaque with a quote:
"Wherever man strives, wherever he works, whatever he does, the good he does outweighs the evil." - L. Ron Hubbard.
Numerous fire stations top the list of the many presentations Pomm has made. In November of 2001, Glendale and Burbank fire trucks rolled up to Pomm's Gallery (then located in Glendale, CA) where Pomm unveiled and presented her new work of art to the awestruck firefighters. The Riverside Fire Dept. in Orange County were next on Pomm's goodwill tour.
Continuing, Pomm made two trips to New York in 2001 and 2002 presenting gifts of the print, "Unspoken Courage" to the New York City Fire Dept. In early March 2002, Pomm traveled around New York City in a fire truck to deliver seven more cherished works of art to those fire houses that helped our country survive the attack. Pomm wanted to let the fireman and their families know their actions are truly valued and to acknowledge the daily heroism of those rescue workers.
"Unspoken Courage" was the only piece of art chosen to hang on the three-story Memorial Wall at the New York City Fire Department headquarters and training academy. The wall is a tribute to the fallen heroes of September 11. Another print adorns the lobby at the Metro Tech Fire Department headquarters in Brooklyn. In recognition of her continued efforts, Pomm received a plaque naming her an honorary member of the FDNY (New York Fire Dept.)
Pomm presented "Unspoken Courage" to the Vice President of Taiwan, in appreciation for the country's generous donation to the New York City Relief Fund. Talk show host, David Letterman, also received a print from Pomm thanking him for his touching shows in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.
