We are glad you have taken the time to come here and learn about our “Lady Liberty” photo. Please understand that we have great respect for the flag of our country. It is not a towel, a table cloth, a bikini, or any other form of clothing. It is the symbol of an idea; a powerful idea. It is the symbol that stands against oppression. It represents great courage, bravery, and strength. See it draped over a coffin with taps playing in the background and you will never wish it disrespect. The idea this symbol represents is freedom, liberty, and justice. We have not intended to abuse our freedom nor disrespect our flag with this picture. Our intention was quite the opposite. We want people to wake up to what is happening to their freedoms. This is not a partisan issue, it is an American issue. If anyone in this country unjustly looses their freedoms, it does far more damage to this symbol than our actions ever could. This symbol was there at the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the establishment of our Constitution. It survived a war where brother turned against brother. Men held it up at Iwo Jima, and it hung heavy on September 11, 2001. Too often today we see “art” which has the sole purpose of offending without seeking the betterment of our bretheren. We want you to be offended. Not because of what we did to Old Glory, but rather because of what we as a country are letting happen to her. She is battered, bruised, and beaten. Tattered and torn. If you aren’t upset, you aren’t listening. She is not dead. We want to thank all of our service men and women and the sacrifices they have made. It is because of their blood, sweat, tears, and pain that we could do this shoot without worrying about secret police. We ask that you display the flag correctly in all its glory. This flag flew strong and had become ragged because of its long service. As such, the way the flag appears in the photo is how we received it. This flag was going to be retired before we used it and it was retired correctly afterward. See this link for proper flag etiquette.
~Hair and Makeup by Ande Castaneda.