Vasilije's Devotional Gift to Betty

While the twelve Jordan kids are themselves each worthy of a book of stories detailing their struggles or ways of helping others, there is one cousin among all the Jordan grandkids that seems to have made the most of an international name for himself. That is Martin's only child Vasilije. Do an internet search on Vasilije Josip Jordan and you will find the several books written of his still active painting career as well as the galleries carrying his work. One example is Apolon Gallery. which also features Vasilije's wife Dragice (see her listing at Apolon as well). Vasilije, partly due to his mother Fanche as well, has been open to meeting the relatives from America and was always very welcoming to his Teta Betty on her visits over the years. Here we see Vasilige and Betty together in Zagreb in 1985.


Vasilije's work is classified as Sureal by most. It tends to have dark overtones as well reflecting the life he experienced growing up in a war torn area. Depicted here is one of the paintings hanging in his house during a visit in 1985.


What makes Vasilije a favorite among grandsons is the heirloom gift he gave to Teta Betty. A "picture postcard" painting he did of Bled. While he fought hard not to do it in the first place, and struggled to complete the work, he did complete and deliver it to her. The painting will forever stand out with us as his most important work. It demonstrates the devotion to his heritage and elder family members that survived through the terrible journey and toll the family had to endure through the war years and communist control following.