"A thoughtful mind, when it sees a nation's flag, sees not the flag only, but the nation itself; and whatever may be its symbols, its insignia, he reads chiefly in the flag the government, the principles, the truths, the history which belongs to the nation that sets it forth."
"The National Flag," Henry Ward Beecher, 1861

In the early 1800s, Americans, like people in other countries, considered a national flag simply a military or naval emblem. When Francis Scott Key penned "The Star-Spangled Banner" in 1814, he did more than give the American flag a name. He changed the way Americans looked at their flag. Despite the patriotism in the song, Keys speaks in questions. He was not sure if the flag was still there, if Fort McHenry still stood, or if he was in fact, still free. Today the flag is the primary symbol of American patriotism, freedom, and liberty. It is accepted faithfully, and is proudly displayed in abundance. One cannot help but feel a swelling of pride when looking at Old Glory. The flag represents a living country and essentially is considered a living thing. Codes have even been established for the respectful use of our nation's emblem. For our flag has grown to represent our country. It carries additional meaning by where, when and how it is flown, hung, or displayed.

The repeated use of imagery is powerful. It can make a viewer feel at ease or completely overwhelmed. My imposing mass of multiples is intended to create a dialogue within the viewer about patriotism and the viewer's ideas, notions, and opinions about what else our flag represents. I am challenging the viewer to see the consumerism, consumption and waste that are also represented in the flag, and our country. I juxtapose the most patriotic icons that are deeply rooted in America's visual vocabulary onto everyday, utilitarian objects. By combining these products, which we all relate to and are accustomed to using, with the most sacred icon of America, I am redefining their meanings and challenging the viewer to question and reinterpret those meanings. After all, if "a thoughtful mind" sees our nation's symbol on disposable, temporary, consumable products-is it not something we can buy or sell? And if our flag is that, so also is our nation and the beliefs and values we supposedly stand for.

Kt