I Voted Today

For this project, I wanted to create a project with civic expression in mind. I wanted to create a project that would encourage citizens of America to exercise their right to vote. Many Americans are unhappy with the state of our country but are not doing anything to remedy the situation. I wanted to create a symbol of America encouraging voting. I made an eagle on toned paper, colored it like the American flag, and outlines it in white colored pencil. I then made it holding a voting ballot and captioned the work "voting = voice", explaining that Americans have to vote so they can make a change. I added barbed wire in the background to show that people can feel trapped in the country, but if they use their voice they can be free, like an eagle.

I started this project by drawing the outline of an eagle in pencil. I think drew an American flag over the top. I erased the lines that did not overlap. I used white colored pencil to go over the eagles lines, and then I filled the flag lines with red and blue water color. I drew a ballot being held by the eagle's tallons, with the writing on it "Equality, Freedom, Justice."

I wanted to further push my message, so I wrote above the bird, "Voting = Voice". I also added the barbed wire in the background to give it more depth. I am pretty happy with how the project turned out, but I do wish I had more contrast with the lettering in the back.