Private corporate collection in Bellevue, Washington.
This artwork serves as a poignant exploration of the dualities of peace and conflict, deeply intertwined with personal narrative. The piece draws from childhood experiences set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, reflecting the complexities of innocence and awareness. Engaging in imaginative war games in the woods with local children during formative years reveals a blissful ignorance of the gravity of the ongoing conflict. Understanding of the Vietnam War was largely shaped by immediate surroundings, notably the return of a neighboring veteran in 1971, marked physically and emotionally by his service, and the influence of a nearby family embodying countercultural values.
A tie-dye T-shirt adorned with a prominent white peace sign, gifted by this countercultural family, emerges as a symbol of youthful idealism. This garment represents a juxtaposition to playful war reenactments conducted with a plastic Mattel M-16 Marauder rifle. The cherished item encapsulates a yearning for harmony amidst the surrounding turmoil, reflecting the internal conflict between the innocence of childhood play and the harsh realities of war.
The incorporation of a freight door salvaged from the Wamsutta Mills further deepens the narrative. The facility, with a storied history of producing goods for the U.S. military since the 1860s until its closure in 2002, provides a tangible link to the ongoing dialogue between industry, war, and family history. This industrial artifact resonates with personal legacy, as my great-great-grandfather and great-grandmother were employed there, thus intertwining family history with broader socio-political themes.
Through this multi-layered composition, the artwork invites viewers to engage with the intricate dance of conflict and peace that defines our shared human experience. It encourages reflection on how personal narratives intersect with larger historical movements, prompting a deeper understanding of the dualities present in society. Ultimately, this exploration reveals that the interplay of innocence, awareness, and legacy is central to comprehending both individual and collective identities in the context of war and peace.
