The Inventor

This 24" x 30" #MixedMediaCollage painting is in homage to Hedy LaMarr, whom I decided to feature in my lesser-known historical figures series for impacting her culture/generation. Sure, if you've heard her name, you automatically recognize her as a Hollywood Starlett from the 1940's. What you may not know was that she was a gifted inventor whom Howard Hughes called brilliant and hired to design faster aircraft for him.

Heartbroken about the deaths of hundreds, including 77 children in the sinking of a rescue ship by a Nazi torpedo on its way to Canada; she co-invented a secret communication system that would allow Allied torpedoes to be guided after being fired. Unfortunately, the Navy did not take it seriously, but eventually seized the patent after its expiration and implemented her system without any recognition or compensation to her. Instead, they steered her to selling war bonds to fund the war effort. She easily raised over 25 million dollars in war bonds- no small sum in her day.

There's more to her story, including her being the model for Disney's Snow White and the comic book heroine, Catwoman. Even though the Department of Defense and (eventually) Hollywood turned on her, ultimately the legacy of her technology serves as the foundation of today's WiFi, GPS, Bluetooth and wireless communication systems.
#MidLifeArtist #FineArt #MixedMedia #Acrylic #Portrait #History

Audio/music credit:
Adventure (song):
Music: Bensound.com/free-music-for-videos
License code: UQPJL9MBOCBBBGCH
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