Freedom is Not Free
Every painting in Chronicle of an Unquiet Age documents the defining events, people, and issues that shaped its moment in history. Created in real time as events unfolded, each work serves as both an original oil painting and a historical record, reflecting the belief that the news of today is the history of tomorrow.
TRTA-2022-043 | March 2022 | Oil on Canvas | 34" x 26"
As the war in Ukraine intensifies during March 2022, people around the world are praying for Ukraine. As a full scale invasion begins we all realize "Freedom is NOT Free." Debates over sovereignty, sacrifice, and democratic resolve grow sharper across the world. Freedom Is Not Free reflects a moment in real time when the meaning of liberty was no longer abstract, but tied to real conflict, rising costs, and the defense of national independence. Stories of bravery and heroism flood the internet. The Ghost of Kiev? A fighter pilot taking on the Russians...Myth or Legend? Fears are real as Putin means business. Elon Musk sends Starlink Satelites to help Ukraine. Zelenskyy begs the World for a 'No fly zone." NATO and U.S. reject requests. So far Biden is silent on how he will handle the War and his track record isn't great since the Afghan withdrawal. Zelenskky is praised for his leadership and vows "Ukraine will fight till the end."
And how this will end, nobody knows.
The title echoes a long-standing truth: liberty is often sustained through courage, vigilance, and sacrifice.
In this sense, the painting connects current events to enduring historical principles.
Seen now, Freedom Is Not Free stands as a record of March 2022, when war overseas renewed global awareness that peace and freedom are never guaranteed. As Sting's song "Russia" states "if Russians love their children too." Casulties are mounting on both sides. One old woman approached a Russian soldier and gave him sunflower seeds. "Put them in your pocket...so they will grow when you die."
"They tried to bury us... they forgot we are seeds." Pray for Ukraine.
