My piece, "United We Stand."

Today I finished this patriotic piece which I call, "United We Stand."  On January 14, 1870, the first recorded use of a donkey to represent the Democratic Party appeared in Harper’s Weekly and was drawn by political illustrator Thomas Nast. I am not trying to make a statement of support of either the Democratic or the Republican Party with this piece.  I am trying to make a statement that, as was the case during George Washington's Presidency, we as a country of disparate individuals should be standing united.  We should be striving towards equality and individuality, peace and solidarity.  I feel this is a particularly important message during this 2016 election year when the two major political parties, Democratic and Republican, are the most dichotomized on issues and fundamental beliefs that I have ever witnessed during my lifetime. 

​This donkey is made with entirely repurposed parts.  His head is porcelain and was the lid to a Jim Bean liquor decanter.  His body is an antique George Washington Cut Plug tobacco tin.  He is sitting up on his rump with his legs in the air.  His legs are made from vintage oil lamp wick holders and glass lids.  His tail is an old lightbulb.  He is adorned with various American symbols such as the flag and the Bald Eagle.  At his neck is a gorgeous and heavy brass embossed Eagle belt buckle.  His hat is assembled from a vintage oil lamp wick cage, metal cap, safety pin with red, white and blue beads forming an image of the American flag, and a vintage U.S. pin.  His ear is embellished with a vintage brass button with an embossed Eagle.  A chain attaches the ear piece to the hat.

​I had a lot of fun making this whimsical fellow who measures 12"H X 8.5"W X 9"D.  He can be found for sale in my Etsy shop, ShenVintageCreations under the section, "Steampunk."