I have always considered myself to be patriotic, although initially I didn't know what it meant. When hearing Jimi Hendrix's rendition of the "Star-Spangled Banner" during Woodstock, it suddenly became clear to me. I wept at the pride that I suddenly felt. At the same time, all the anguish of being of African and Native American ancestry. Because not everyone acknowledged "that all men were created equal", although much lip service it made. I appreciated and understood the statement when Abbie Hoffmann wore the shirt made out of the American flag, meaning we Americans wore our patriotism like a brand or logo. It depressed me that some people chose to interpret a desire for peace and racial equality as somehow not being American. It made me physically ill a few years later when it became 'chic' for the Bicentennial to wear red, white
and blue bikinis, and baseball caps, when the Confederate-sympathizing Southern rednecks adopted it as statement, it became a symbol to me of the dichotomy between the words of the Constitution, and how people of color, women and gays were still being treated. It wasn't until the election held in 2008, that I started to become more optimistic. When Mr. Obama was
inaugurated, I designed my first piece in the colors of the flag. This is the second piece I have created, in hopes for the future. The colors of freedom and liberty, the American flag rendererd in blue aventurine, and carnelian, with vintage Venetian glass rose or "wedding cake" beads. They are hand-knotted with Bohemian glass rose beads, and gold-coated seed beads, 14/20gf findings; clasp is 14kt vermeil. Approx. 18 inches, earrings approx. 1¼ inches. Available online at A.R.T. Precious Collectible Jewelry
Wear Your Beads in Good Fortune!
by Anne at Beadbear.com
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