Liberty Enlightening the World

• 11x14"
• ARCHIVAL QUALITY GICLEE PRINT
• OPEN EDITION

We’ve found a lot of peace and hope in the Statue of Liberty and researching her history. The statue was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States and is recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. It was dedicated in 1886 and designated as a National Monument in 1924. For many immigrants processed through Ellis Island, The Statue of Liberty was the first impression they had of America.

When we first started this illustration of native and national flowers from countries around the world surrounding the Statue of Liberty, we were feeling respect and empathy towards immigrants who come to the states looking for a more stable life for themselves and their families. Today we also feel deep empathy for those who stay in their native country and stand up for what they believe in for a better future. There are famines, wars, massacres, bombings, & humanitarian crises in our world. So much that we don’t know what we can do, but to keep our hearts open, have conversations, raise awareness, & help in any way everyday civilians can. The Statue of Liberty stands so strong, assured, and just. Where we see a beacon of hope for those who travel here, we also see a great example of how we can be. A courageous ally & a light in the darkness. 

The flowers in this illustration represent different countries where immigrants have migrated from along with the Camphorweed from Ellis Island and the Rose of New York. Flowers include the Montbretia from Ireland, Cornflower from Germany, Tamarisk from Syria, Primrose from Scandinavia, Hibiscus from Malaysia, Prickly Poppy from Mexico, Lotus from India and Vietnam, Plumeria from Lao and Burma, Quisqualis from Africa, King Protea from South Africa, White Nun Orchid from Guatemala, and Edelweiss from Switzerland.

Once again, one of our favorite lessons from flowers is how so many of these grow in multiple countries and how we can always find things we have in common.