Why I'm making 12 eggs for America's 250th

When I was in third grade, it was thrilling. The nation was draped in bunting, there were fireworks and parades for almost any reason and living so close to Philadelphia meant that the Liberty Bell and Ben Franklin were pretty much everywhere. It was the Bicentennial. One of my drawings was chosen among the thousands submitted to hang in the Betsy Ross house. I vowed, provided I lived long enough, to celebrate the nation's 250th with even more art and mark it as something really special. I'm not completely confident that 8 year old me thought I would live another 50 years because everyone KNOWS how long that is.

"Liberty" Beeswax resist and dye on blown ostrich eggshell

America is turning 250 this year. Most people will mark it with fireworks, maybe a sale. Maybe a question at the Fourth of July asking if anybody knew it was the 250th. I'm marking it with wax and dye and an egg.

"Marks Left For Those Who Follow" Beeswax resist and dye on blown ostrich eggshell

One egg a month. Twelve eggs. All year.

Pysanky is a tradition of symbols, both in icons and color. The flags of our nation and individual states are rich in symbols denoting strength, humility, the fertility of the land, and the desire for freedom. It is a privilege to learn in depth about the American flag when "Liberty" was rolling around in my mind last summer. The last egg will be finished in December. I don't know what the full set will say. That's the point. I'm making them in real time, the way this incredible nation was made. One month at a time, not knowing what next month will bring.

Follow along and send me a comment. Let me know what you were doing in 1976 and what your favorite memory was. Or ask me a question about this series that you find interesting.