There was 500 prints created of "Above the Fallen", and due to the nature of this print, (please read the narrative below) I wanted to donate (150 prints) of sales to three non-profit organizations dividing it up accordingly so funds can assist other in need.
The New York Widow's and Childrens Fund. The reason is because in 1991, I wrote to NY Mayor Guliani asking to what non-profit I can donate to because there are so many. His response to me was to send the 50 prints / donation money to the New York Widows and Childrens fund. I wanted to sell those 50 prints in New York via a business location, however this is proving to be more difficult than I thought. I hope to have a location soon.
The Orange Park United Methodist Church was my first spiritual home and as one is to donate 10% to church I have reserved (50 prints) towards for those community and church members who wish to purchase towards the OPUMC for any projects they are currently needing funds for.
The Clay County Police Activities League / Explorer Team - As in September 11, 1991 we lost so many firemen and polce officers I simply find it necessary to fund the programs that inspire children into becoming a public servants. If they are our future then we need to help make them into strong leaders for our community.
"Above the Fallen" is a Fundraiser!
"Above the Fallen" 50 Prints - Fundraiser
Years ago I asked God to use me to help make an impact upon those I encounter. He did.
In 1997, I simply had the idea of being an artist. I was armed only with a few prints of flowers, animals and a smile. I sold these prints on the sidewalks of St Augustine. September 11, 2001 happened. That fateful morning terrorists used our own airplanes to destroy lives, buildings, property and families. The impact heard around the world so to speak. My heart broke for so many and I wanted to help but I had no idea what I could do and I prayed on how I could help. God provided me with a vision. A vision that allowed me to feel like I was standing there among others ovserving a silent somber moment. I felt that God gave me this image accompanied by a single command "Create". It took a years worth of research, note taking, observing, sketch ideas and photographing locations, people in order to create the image that I saw in this vision.
"Above the Fallen" is one I must explain. The main focus is the flag, however you first see it centrally located, and then you will then understand this flag is draped over a found victim, and those who surround the central figure and their perspective of the scene is alsowhere the title comes from: "Above the Fallen". In the background you see a worker who took off his work gloves, dropped to his knees, and is crying while reaching for the hand of the victim. He represents the 'everyman', every individual who helped out no matter how great or small, no matter what their career is, but to how that individual had reached out to help even though they too are hurting. On the right is the shadow of a soldier saluting with their left hand. Here, you will realize the military salutes with the right hand, however, the only time a left hand salute occurs is when that soldier is personally injured and unable to use their right hand. This left-hand salute represents America's injury, and the military's focus on that injury is the reason why they fight for our country. The last symbol is the shadow of a pastor who is wearing a safety helmet. This is the most complex and most comforting symbol of all. The pastor's prominent helmet is to represent God who is involved and active during crisis. In the pastors hands you see the shadow of the bible and you deduce that the pastor is whispering prayers for the dead, this represent comfort and grief. The cross shadowing over the body has angles that focus upon this symbol represents how God is focused, working , and in chargeon of this situation.
This image is in my Gallery and enjoy the articles on the links !
