Salute

to express respect or praise for; honor; commend.

6" x 6"

140# cold-press watercolor paper

acrylic paint, acrylic ink, Sharpie pen, collage, matte medium

In a continuation of my interest in small abstracts, I used leftover paint and collage to represent one standing when others lack the conviction or courage. Crushed by the weight of the thing, they fade into the background, while the one who stands is confident, without regret, remembered and honored.

Because I created this one month after the 20 year anniversary of 9/11, I was specifically thinking of Barbara Lee, a U.S. Representative for California, a Black woman, and the only person to vote against the incredibly broad Authorization for Use of Military Force of 2001. Besides her, not a single congressperson had the foresight or the guts to challenge the document that has authorized the killing of 10 times more civilians than 9/11 over the past 20 years. For more on that listen to this episode of the always entertaining and informative Hood Politics podcast.

I salute (respect and honor) humans who prove by their actions that they are receptive to learning and growth, know who they are, and aren’t afraid to stand up for what they know to be true.

Salute mixed media word painting by Sarah M. Schumacher