If all has gone as planned, then Saturday is my first full day back in the United States.
I wasn't gone a few months or over the summer. I was gone for more than 9 years. Things feel exciting and also overwhelming.
What I look forward to the most is living where I will be fully literate again. For years I have been unable to read or write fluently in German. This experience has changed me down to the very core of my being.
Those of you who have been around long know that a lot of my artwork has been about exploring cultural identity. Here is the second of two hearts I made as self portraits before leaving Europe. This one was made from that page in the newspaper that comes out on the 4th of July and was spray painted with a big heart-shaped chocolate box and a metal braided chain. I threw in a little touch of vintage fabric and then laced it up like a Dirndl. It will be on exhibit in Nuremburg soon. More on that later.
Hello America. I've missed you and I look forward to getting to know you again!
These are beautiful self portraits. Welcome home!
Posted by: Pat | September 03, 2011 at 03:41 PM
Wonderful! Great to have you state side again.
Posted by: Linda | September 03, 2011 at 07:27 PM
Wow, that sure went fast you left Germany! I hope you had a great flight with no stress and get settled soon back home!
Smiles from across the ocean, Anke ;)
Posted by: Anke | September 03, 2011 at 10:41 PM
Very cute! Welcome back to being a US resident. One of the things I found living in Italy (for a mere two years, compared to your nine - wow!) was a greater sense of my own country and culture. I never thought much about my national identity until living abroad.
Posted by: Kat Sloma | September 04, 2011 at 05:08 AM
Thanks gang for all the nice words! I'm here in the hotel, looking around and wondering if this is even real.
Check it out, I've already been to Walmart and got down with a bunch of buttermilk biscuits from the breakfast buffet! Home Sweet Home!!
Posted by: TJ | September 04, 2011 at 03:09 PM
Welcome home! I like your American piece. It's beautiful.
Enjoy those biscuits!
Posted by: Janet | September 04, 2011 at 06:47 PM
Welcome home!!
Posted by: Andria | September 06, 2011 at 08:58 PM
Such a gorgeous piece.
Enjoy your days :)
Posted by: Lay Hoon | September 12, 2011 at 03:48 AM
I'm so late! But welcome home!!
Posted by: Chris | September 14, 2011 at 03:14 AM