Memorial Day is coming up soon. An important day to me....one that honors those who have served in our fine Military, over years and decades and even centuries, and have risked their lives, even sacrificed their lives, the absolute ultimate one can give, to protect us and our freedom and our country. This is dear to my heart, because I'm an American Patriot, and am proud of my country and the military that has fought for our freedom. I thank God, often and sincerely, that I was blessed to be born in this country, blessed to be a citizen of this fine country, blessed to be an American. Because the fact is, millions and even billions of people out there were not blessed in this same way. And I did nothing to deserve this amazing blessing, but I'm grateful to my very core for it.This artwork is not something recent, but was done 3 1/2 years ago at my local art group meeting. It's a collage done with beeswax, the first and only time I've used this technic. It just came together rather easily, surprising me a lot. But I happened to have the right supplies and items at the right time, and some help and input from other group members also. So in the span of four hours, this is what I created.
I gave it to a dear friend of mine, Donna, as a gift. She's in the Navy Reserve, and I felt she would appreciate this and relate to it, on a level maybe other people wouldn't or couldn't. I didn't start out making this for her, but once it was completed, I knew I wanted to give it to her, and was meant to be hers. She then took it to be framed, and it's hanging in her livingroom. So even though I no longer own it, I do get to see it when I visit her, and that makes me feel good.
I'm grateful and proud to be an American, to my very core, and my heartfelt and sincere thanks go out to all members of the military and their families, for the honorable and incredible sacrifices they make for my country, and for me personally. God bless America and please keep us safe, and God bless our troops and please keep them safe. Amen, and amen.
And amen again! My husband and I are former Navy, my son is currently a Marine. Thank you to ALL who serve! Nice to hear the sentiment! Sometimes in the beltway here, it is a scarce resource, gratitude.
ReplyDeleteVal your beeswax collage is awesome. As a veteran I want to thank you for all of your kind words. I get very emotional when I think about our men and women who are risking their lives for their country in Iraq and Afghanistan. I feel sometimes that a lot of people forget about them which hurts me very deeply. Thank you so much for sharing this with us and God bless America!!
ReplyDeleteWell done! Thanks for sharing this timely piece!
ReplyDeleteVal, I'm excited to see your patriotic spirit in this beautiful beeswax collage! We were in the Air Force (I say "we" but you know what I mean) for 22 years dragging 7 kids around the world ....even in it's worst of times, it was a great life and knowing we were serving our beautiful country made it easier. We pray daily for our troops and their leaders. God bless the USA!
ReplyDeleteYour beeswax piece is so precious, Val! I don't know a family that doesn't have a veteran in their family tree somewhere, and this piece is such an honor to them. Of course, I'd love to see the technique done and maybe try it sometime; no matter what, thank you for making it. We are so very lucky, as you said, to be citizens of this great country! God bless all our fine soldiers everywhere and those who have passed on.
ReplyDeleteVal this is great. And that it just flowed out of you and then you knew just who should be it's owner is really cool. I haven't done anything with beeswax, not sure I will although I love the soft look it gives. I too have plenty of military family and feel the same as you about the members of our military family!
ReplyDeleteAmen! Well said.
ReplyDeleteLove the collage. I myself haven't mastered beeswax quite yet. Everything seems to slide off when I hit the heat gun to smooth it!
Val: Thank you for sharing your art and your heart (always linked together). Your art is beautiful and the sentiment that you gave away what you intended for yourself is exactly the mindset more people need. God bless you for sharing and God bless America.
ReplyDeleteSusan Miller in Kansas City
I love your piece and the sentiments. I love the way you added so many different pieces within your piece. My eye had to move all around to see what was added where. I love a piece that makes invites me to feast my eyes.
ReplyDelete"America is Free because of the brave"
This is very cool!!!! Believe it or not I haven't tried beeswax yet! I have all the stuff, just need a clean space and some time... Marva
ReplyDeleteVal - I love this! When art just flows out of an artist, it is the best work. You should try beeswax again. You look like a natural with it. - Nicki
ReplyDeleteGreat artwork. So inspiring this morning.
ReplyDeleteA very touching post that made me tear a little. Thank you for saying it , and I'm glad you were able to gift it to someone who would appreciate it's message.
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