200416" x 20"Acrylic on Canvas2005Sold

The objects in this painting are all in some way symbolic of the year 2004, and covers topics from politics to media to commerce to the tsunamis. With the election being the most pressing event for most of the year, the newspapers earns a major spot, taking up most of the composition. The Texan pistol aimed at the globe paperweight provides an example of my feelings regarding the election's outcome. There are two twenty dollar bills in the painting, one old one and the newer one on top of it. The added security features on the new bill symbolize America's security issues, and relate to the fear that politicians attempt to instill in the heads of the masses. The remote control symbolizes media and all the biased spin spouted by journalists. The cardboard box and the packing peanuts refer to the aspect of change and instability, which strongly accompanied this election year. (Perhaps it could symbolize moving to Canada, though that was an afterthought!) It also refers to the increasing popularity of buying products online. Finally the glass with the stones in the bottom symbolize the tsunamis - the stones representative of weight, emotionally and physically, and also a sense of displacement. The straw represents tourism and the tourist economy that was shattered by the unfortunate events. The jar of pennies symbolizes the money that was raised to aid the tsunami survivors, which seems so small compared to the immense loss of life and livelihood.

Close-ups: