Law & Order

Some of my most cherished childhood memories trace back to evenings in my homeland, watching classic black-and-white American Western films. Icons like John Wayne, Gary Cooper, James Stewart, and Burt Lancaster captivated my imagination—often portraying principled sheriffs, adorned with polished US Marshal Badge over their hearts, riding on horseback beneath the waving American flag, riding toward justice.

Those images never left me.

Years later, after immigrating to the United States, I found myself studying printmaking at Cal State Fullerton. It was there I began carving the very template that now forms the foundation of my personal flag series—each print rooted in the same structure as the American flag, yet reimagined through the lens of justice and symbolism. I titled the series Law and Order.

For me, the American flag represents more than patriotism—it embodies hope, rescue, and dignity, especially for those suffering and in need of protection. To our adversaries, it sends a clear message of strength and resolve; to the vulnerable, it promises salvation. That symbolism inspired me. At the same time, it troubles me deeply when I witness the flag desecrated—burned or trampled without consequence. While the First Amendment protects such acts as free expression, I personally view the destruction of the flag as an act, not speech—an act that carries emotional weight and symbolic violence.

In my homeland, and in many European nations, military service is mandatory. Here in the United States, service is voluntary—a profound testament to the spirit of this country. And yet, sometimes I worry we take that freedom for granted.

The Fourth of July is more than fireworks or barbecues. It’s a solemn celebration of hard-won liberty, a reminder of sacrifice, and an opportunity to educate our youth on the true meaning of the flag—what it has stood for and continues to represent.

This is just a glimpse into the journey that led me to create Law and Order. It’s not just a piece of art—it’s a testament to an idea, a memory, and a belief in the enduring symbols of justice and freedom.