Software: Adobe Photoshop, Wacom Intous 4 Digital Stylus

My father mentioned that I should incorporate the 99% concept into the stars on an American flag. From that seed of an idea, I made this painting.

After watching coverage of the popular revolution actions across the country (and world), and hearing actor Danny Glover give an impassioned speech in Oakland on the national news, I began and completed this painting in one night, working until the first light of sunrise. I felt compelled to complete this image to bolster and embolden the people’s movement, as an homage to democracy in action.

The first American flag was created by an artisan, and many variations on the theme appeared in American Revolutionary times. As I was painting I had in mind early versions of the American flag, and how they often used the stars creatively, as more states were added and thus stars to the flag. I began the painting knowing I would incorporate two nines and a percentage symbol. The actual arrangement of the stars on blue happened after a bit of experimentation.

The American flag is sometimes called “Old Glory.” The expression conjures images of the flag flying over battles, struggles and tribulations in America’s history for good or bad. This painting is titled “New Glory” as we are moving into a new chapter in history. A bald eagle flies steadfastly into a bright, unknown future made possible by clearing out the old ways of inequality, political hypocrisy, corporate corruption, genocide and ecological destruction, through the will of the people. The bald eagle, a very powerful and respected creature, revered by the Native Americans far before high middle ages European colonization, carries an olive branch, representing peace, the peaceful intentions of the movement, and ultimately world peace in the Universal sense.

This revolution, which is worldwide, has the power to and will bring about a more beautiful world for our generation and future generations to come. The American flag as a symbol has been perceived in both positive and negative light, throughout time. As I painted this, I reflected on the positive things about America, and the amazing potentials that I think Americans all feel in some sense, that this country is capable of far more beautiful things than what has been. This painting is also my personal reclaiming of the flag as a symbol of positive democracy, rather than a symbol of oppression, oppression usually orchestrated by the 1%, those with profit or power/control motives. Like many of my brothers and sisters, I visualize a world filled with peace, brotherhood and sisterhood, living wages, ethical trade, and the abolishing of antiquated toxic pollution sources. I hope that this image will bolster and inspire full confidence in my brothers and sisters, that what the 99% are doing is truly on a higher level of patriotism. This is a new America!