KAT LIBRETTO/ INKY HANDS

ALISA PARKER

This commemorative piece was created to illustrate the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower’s voyage across the Atlantic to found Plymouth Colony.

The focus is on the iconic emblem, the “Mayflower”, located on the ships stern.  The flower with its crisp, pure white, simple petals was considered to be a symbol of spring and the month of May in England.  I see it as a personification of the Pilgrims.  Puritans, on a journey of hope and commitment to their pursuit of religious freedom.

Taking a mixed media approach to storytelling, I weave torn, collaged bits from the Mayflower Compact, maps of Plymouth Bay, and vintage wallpaper.  These elements create the vessel where the graphic image of the Mayflower is placed upon.  Using acrylic inks, paints and charcoal the ships stern is depicted to take on an antiqued, old world feel and emote the struggle and perseverance of the Pilgrim.  We are grateful for our forefathers.