Waves of Vigilance: Time, Tech, and Tradition , Bridges of Freedom with Seal

There is a  printed wall clock with a radar face , a symbolic nod to time’s relentless push. In naval missions, precision in timing is crucial, but the clock in this piece is also a reminder of the human lives behind that precision. It’s not just about machines; it’s about the people who operate them, the time they sacrifice, and the lives they risk. I think of the personal sacrifices made by the men and women who serve—their time away from families, their relentless watchfulness. 

The  U.S. Navy seal , proudly displayed, grounds the piece in tradition. As much as technology and time evolve, the Navy’s core values remain constant. This seal is more than just an emblem of authority; it’s a symbol of honor, courage, and commitment. I wanted to juxtapose the rigidity of that tradition against the fluid, abstract elements in the foreground—the  splattered lines and bursts of chaotic energy—because modern naval operations often walk the fine line between order and unpredictability. 

I consciously used a  green and blue color palette throughout the piece, blending the colors of sea, sky, and technology. Green, to me, speaks of renewal and life—perhaps symbolizing the hope that even in warfare, there is a chance for peace. At the same time, it’s also the color of tactics and strategy, important in military planning. The green represents the strategic foresight of the radar, constantly scanning for unseen threats. The blue, deeply tied to the sea and air, represents calmness but also the cold reality of naval operations, where decisions must be made with precision and resolve. 

The abstract  radar-like circles and  propellers are not just decorative—they symbolize the eternal cycle of vigilance. Aircraft like the Hawkeye rely on such technology to maintain air superiority, and in this piece, I wanted to express how crucial these tools are for modern defense. At the same time, these circular forms suggest something more profound: the endless loop of vigilance, watchfulness, and readiness that the Navy embodies. 

Finally, the  horizon or runway that sits quietly in the background is a reminder of constant preparedness. Naval forces are always ready to embark on missions far beyond what we see or comprehend. There’s a certain emotional tension there: the readiness for conflict, but also the hope that it never comes. That line, where the earth meets the sky, is the edge of action but also a place of waiting. The emotions I felt while creating this piece oscillated between pride and melancholy—pride in the resilience of naval forces and melancholy in knowing that this vigilance comes with immense personal cost. 

In personal reflection, this artwork speaks to me about balance—between old and new, chaos and order, peace and conflict. It’s a visual representation of the dual nature of military life: always prepared for war, but striving for peace. I felt an emotional depth as I worked on the layers, especially as I thought about the individuals behind the technology. This is not just a celebration of machines or power—it’s a quiet tribute to the human element that keeps those machines running. 

This piece is a blend of art and emotion, of calculated elements and abstract splatters, just like the complex world it represents. It’s not just a picture of a plane or a radar screen—it’s a reflection on the balance of time, duty, and the unseen human experiences that form the heart of the Navy.