Pictured above is Mike Wilkins (born 1959) "Preamble" 1987, painted metal (real official state license plates) on vinyl and wood, 96 x 96 in.
This piece demonstrates the immense pride that I have for being an American. I love my European ancestral heritage, but I feel very honored to be an American-through good and bad times. As much fun as it is to travel outside this country to historic sites and places of unbelievable beauty, I want to discover the uncontested beauty of my own country first so when I go abroad I can truly appreciate these new landscapes, but always know my home holds the most beauty ever. This land is something special, the land reflects the people, who in turn reflect the land, and at just the right times the people and the land are in harmony and the many values and virtues of both become one- e pluribus unum.
Pictured to the left is "Snap the Whip" by Winslow Homer. Like the energy the painting shows, I love to have fun and hang out with my friends; goofing around, or just sitting and enjoying conversation. I value people, and the effect they have on others. Without friends or people to interact with, life can't be lived to the fullest. You can have all the knowledge, culture or money in the world, but without someone to share it with, it is pointless.
I love architecture, standing in building both old and new, large and small gives me an amazing feeling. The detail of older buildings, like these below, from the Panama Pacific Exposition of 1915 in San Francisco, is just incredible, and shows the dedication of the designers and the great technical ability of the craftsman and artists who built them. Buildings remind me of my passion for art and design.
Spirituality is an important aspect of my life, and these two spaces, the Chapel at the National Air Force Academy, and the Washington National Cathedral, are two religious spaces that I have enjoyed worshiping in. To me Christianity is not just a religion, it is a relationship, and how the journey of that relationship with Christ. That relationship helps define me as a person, and guides me in my daily life. I don't have all the answers about life or where I am headed, but I have faith in someone who has had a plan for me since before I was born. "For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7).
This last video speaks to my love of music. Music is an artform that is an integral part of my life. I see music as something that can transcend all conflicts and speak where words would cause problems. Instrumental music can enhance the written word to add another dimension and give deeper meaning. For me music is an outlet in which I can create and work with others. As you see in the video, no matter what happens, music will keep on livin'!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1gNYwVdLoQ
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