A couple of weeks ago I was in the local Made In Clarkdale show. The Made In Clarkdale Art Show(MIC) 2012 runs for 10 days beginning the first weekend of December featuring the original art of over 50+ artists with a variety of mediums including sculpture, visual art, photography, and wearable art in all price ranges. I met several wonderful people, and had a really great opportunity to see old friends and meet new ones as well! We had a wonderful turnout this year, and achieved our goal in sales to put on the show for next year. I focused mainly on getting two new pieces I have been working on titled "Army of One: Army of None" which were a hit. I received several wonderful comments and had some very engaging conversations.  

Each helmet had a brief write-up about what each helmet was about.

Army of One

The piece made from my grandfather’s dog tags symbolizes the individual’s importance to the collective whole in World War II. During this global conflict, virtually every U.S. citizen contributed toward the war effort thus creating a communal army. From the rationing of food to the selling of war bonds, patriotic Americans did what they could for the cause. The country whole-heartedly and unequivocally supported this endeavor. Those that served were your neighbors, your friends, your co-workers and each loss was felt by every member of the community.

Army of None

The second piece exemplifies the current cultural desensitization toward the casualties of war. My generation has known a country embroiled in conflict for the past eleven years. This reality leads me to believe that society no longer has regard for the hero’s sacrifice. Our country sends its soldiers into jeopardy without appreciating or recognizing the loss to the community at large. The blurring of the names in the helmet connotes a disconnect between the average person and modern war. While I have never served in the military, I am a citizen of war and hope to draw attention to the apathy displayed toward armed conflict in the 21st century.

I've attached a few photos of the pieces and some photos from the MIC show. Hopefully I will see everyone next year!