America’s Art Of Freedom

Welcome back to The Expressionist Magazine

America has been around for eons, but it wasn’t till 1776 when we were recognized by the nations as a independent governing body.  Since that time, America has led the way and spread our ideals across the world.  Some of our contributions come in many forms, but art and music is what we’ll focus on.  This July 4th, America turns 233 years old, and in that time we have seen some amazing artists come around and inspire with their work.  To celebrate this month of independence, we will focus on some of the “patriotic” pieces and artists that helped define us in the arts.

James McNeill Whistler – Whistler’s Mother 1871

Whistler’s Mother is probably one of the most well known American paintings that surfaced in the 19th century.  It’s been called the Mona Lisa of the American civilization.  It’s a simple portrait, however, it shows the American spirit all the way through it.

Civilization in America was simple back then; family was the focus of the town.  In this picture we can see a woman grieving in her classic style mourning dress.  She has probably lost a son or daughter.  Her solemn face shows all the emotion in one powerful package, yet her elegance overrides her stern appearance.  She sits by a picture that looks like a fort of some sort.  Since this is only six years post the Civil War era, I assume she lost a loved one in battle.  This very picture could depict the tragedy we suffered to keep America one great nation.  Despite the loss, the victory and bloodshed formed America to what it is today, though the wounds may never be erased.

John Mellencamp

Mellencamp’s career started in the late 70s and ran through the 80s and into the 90s, until he took a backseat for a while. Mellencamp’s music has defined America through rock.  His songs are based in simple times, and in simple towns where values run deep.  Songs like “Small Town” and “Ain’t That America” depict what it’s like growing up in the heart of America’s “breadbasket states.” The songs create a picture of those small towns with just a few stores, eating watermelon and drinking ice tea on a hot summer afternoon.  His songs take us back to the way America used to be.

Francis Scott Key

During the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key was stationed in a fort that fought a bloody battle.  While in his cabin, he listened and heard the canons fire; the turmoil and sounds of war taking place outside as the Americans tried to defeat the English attack on the fort.  It went throughout the night, but when the morning sun rose and tranquility settled in, Francis Scott Key looked out the window to see the American flag still flying high over the fort.  The Americans defeated the King’s army and sent them packing.

That inspired him to write a poem about the event, which later became the American National Anthem.  That poem, our anthem, tells of that bloody night where the Americans fought off the super power motherland, and came away victorious.  Ironically, the man in the president’s chair was Thomas Jefferson, the writer of the Declaration of Independence, who now commanded the country he helped create, to victory.  During his reign in office, the national anthem was written.   The anthem is probably the third most prized article written about America, next to the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.

Betsy Ross

An American seamstress, Ross was said to have designed and created the very first American flag, commissioned by George Washington.  Today, many different stories have emerged about how the flag was created and why, but nobody can take from Ross.  Her creation is now the symbol of the free world and world power.  The flag is loathed and loved by many.

Lee Greenwood

Greenwood’s song to America came when President Clinton was in office, but its sound is timeless and feels like it’s been around since the start.  He wrote and sang the song, “I’m Proud To Be An American.”

This song contains the basic principles this country was founded on, something many have forgotten.  It’s about a hardworking blue collar employee who loves his family, his freedoms and his country, and would gladly die to preserve that.

Today, the song is played during many American functions and celebrations, such as the 4th of July.  The simple message will send chills down your spine and make you proud of this country we call the USA.

So if you forgot what it was to be American, or why we are a proud nation, simply look back at our simple roots and our fight for freedom.  These talented artists will tell you the American story.