Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Raggly

"Raggly Flag" by Thornton Dial


Today is Flag Day.

When I was in school we had to write a composition entitled "What Does The Flag Mean To You". It was a lesson in civics and history.

When you are a child you don't really think about the meaning of flags. You might learn to identify flags of different countries, maybe a first visual association with a world larger than your own.

In the 1970's I was fond of the saying "Let your freak flag fly".

Flags get all wrapped up in politics, self identification, emotion and pride for sure. Who doesn't get a lump in their throat when the national anthem is played and the colors are trouped out?

So I give you an image today of a painting by Thornton Dial called "Raggly Flag". Thornton Dial is an excellent example the American dream. He is an artist, self taught, who started painting later in life. Today he is considered one of the most important artists of the 21st century. I love his work.

People all over the world reinvent themselves during their lifetimes. Ditto for self made women and men. But somehow this idea of having the freedom to be anything you want at anytime in your life rings truest and perhaps the loudest when people think of the USA.

So today I salute my flag, and let my freak fly, grateful and proud.

I encourage you to check out Thornton Dial. If you live in Indianapolis the museum of art there is doing an important exhibit of a life time of his incredible work. Read more HERE.

Get this book on Thornton Dial HERE

This is a new Thornton Dial book HERE

And if you are one of those blessed art collectors you can buy this work of art HERE. If I had the money I would buy Thornton Dial for love and for the investment.

For sale: Thornton Dial oil on paper - 30 x 44

6 comments:

Sarah Greenman said...

Love his flag. Thanks for the intro to Thornton Dial... he's new to me!

XO

Jan said...

Well I like your flag
as well as my flag.
Allies after all.
xxx

Karena said...

Thanks so much for featuring a great artist like Thornton and flying his flag!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

I have an amazing Giveaway from the Artisans at Novica. You will love it!

Ton S. said...

Wonderful. Thanks for posting this.

KAT said...

Thank you for introducing me to Thornton. I was in NOLA this past weekend and stopped by Perch to check out the shop and to meet you. You were not in :(. Hope to see you next time I'm down that way :). Loved Perch xo

Hill Country House Girl said...

Oh Valorie! I love Thornton Dial. We saw a few of his pieces at a group museum show - it was either in NYC or in Santa Fe. Now I am going to have to remember. I am starting on my new post today!