His grandmother made 6,000 sketches around the world. He’s tracking down every spot to repaint the same view.
Max Romey's quest to revisit and repaint the locations of his grandmother's 6,000 watercolor sketches is as much a journey through time as it is through geography. His grandmother, Lucretia Leonard Romey, traveled the world, capturing moments in places like Norway, France, and Antarctica. Max's mission is not only to honor her legacy but also to witness the changes in these landscapes over decades. His project highlights the passage of time and the shifting nature of our world, as seen through the eyes of two generations of artists.
Max, who struggled with dyslexia as a child, found solace and expression in art, a medium shared with him by Lu. His endeavor is a testament to the power of art to bridge generations and communicate beyond words. By sharing his journey online and inviting others to help identify the sketch locations, Max fosters a community around his work, turning a personal project into a collective exploration of art, memory, and change.
Constructive analysis
The constructive-journalism lens: not just what happened, but what works.
- The problem
- The challenge is preserving and appreciating the artistic legacy of a previous generation while documenting the changes in natural landscapes over time.
- The actions
- Max is actively locating the sites of his grandmother's sketches, recreating the views, and sharing his findings online to engage a wider audience.
- Evidence of progress
- He has successfully identified and painted approximately 20 locations, with one of his videos capturing the attention of nearly 30,000 viewers.
- What we can learn
- Others can learn the importance of intergenerational projects that blend historical appreciation with modern technology to engage and educate communities.
PERMA profile of this story
How this story scores across the PERMA dimensions.
- Positive Emotion
- 8
- Engagement
- 9
- Relationships
- 9
- Meaning
- 8
- Accomplishment
- 7
Character strengths in play
Top VIA strengths this story embodies.
Gratitude
Max's dedication to revisiting and repainting his grandmother's sketches shows deep appreciation for her influence and legacy.
Perseverance
He acknowledges the daunting task of recreating 6,000 sketches, estimating it would take 350 years at his current pace, yet continues undeterred.
Curiosity
Max's project involves identifying and exploring each location, driven by a desire to understand both the past and the present.
Try this today
Inspired by Max's journey, try revisiting a place from your childhood and document how it has changed over time. Capture your observations through sketches, photos, or writing, and reflect on what these changes mean to you personally.