As many of my friends, family, or followers know, I have this compulsion (perhaps obsession) for acquiring old picture frames. Yes, I plan to repurpose them for original art. I have the idea that these frames have their own storied pasts and might be the perfect complement to new works of art.
Periodically, I run across a military issued frame such as the one in my repurposed work below. After spending a few weeks attempting to identify or discover who the officer was in the old frame, I finally conceded and determined to make this a commemoration to soldiers who were either “unknown” or “unaccounted for”. In fact, this is a common objective of many military memorials such as Troy’s very own Bicentennial Park.
The original photo and frame date back to 1947-49, and if memory serves me, the photo portrait was of someone from the northeast U.S. area. I tried to locate kin but had little to no information to go by.
Ultimately, I allowed the eyes of the “unknown” or “unaccounted for” soldier to pierce through the mixed-media with the words “NOT FORGOTTEN” inscribed. The remainder of the image is an intentional montage of sketches from the actual Bicentennial Park; a hand-rendered typographical selection from the etched memorial on site; as well as a plethora of “words” that came to my mind as I pondered these soldiers (ie. young, brave, lost, missing, enemy, ally, protect, loyalty, etc.).
For a more detailed view of this piece, click on the image to the left.
Having come from a military family, I am easily reminded (and necessarily so) that my freedom to express ideas, to create art, to openly practice my faith, and so much more comes at a great price. If you live in the Troy area, take a moment to visit Bicentennial Park. Stand among the flags and beneath the shade of the AH-1 Cobra Helicopter, read the names of veterans who are now deceased, ponder your freedom while reading the humble monument, and allow your heart to be stirred. Thanks to the brave men and women who for generations past and future—they gift us with liberty. And mostly, thanks be to God who is the author and founder of True Liberty!
CMSgt .Clyde Johnson (Dad), U.S. Air Force (1938–1961)
“This memorial has been placed here to honor those who left home and family to go to a foreign land and give of their lives for the causes of freedom and justice. In so doing, many of these have paid a price far worse than death. They are the cold, tire, tortured souls os men who were taken prisoner and still to this day remain unaccounted for. This is for them and the families they left behind. God has been and is still with them. This humble stone is a small reminder that the citizens of Troy have not and never will forget our missing comrades. —(from the etched memorial at Bicentennial Park)”