Artist Statement

What Does It Mean to Be an American in the 21st Century?

Over the course of my studies in art, I have encountered many artists who have explored deep questions about personal identity, leading me to reflect on what it means to be an American in the 21st century. For me, being a true American revolves around upholding certain values: Honor, Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Courage, and Community. These values shape what it means for me to be a good citizen and a person of character in the United States.
Honor means maintaining respect for oneself and others, recognizing the responsibility that comes with being part of something greater than oneself. It is about acting with dignity and fulfilling one's duties with integrity. Courtesy is treating others with respect and kindness, fostering cooperation and mutual understanding in a diverse society. Integrity involves being truthful and transparent, ensuring that trust and respect are the foundation of my relationships. Perseverance is the ability to keep pushing forward, even when faced with obstacles. It reflects the American spirit of resilience, constantly striving for progress despite challenges. Courage goes beyond bravery; it is about standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult. Finally, Community represents our shared responsibility to support one another and build a society rooted in mutual respect and cooperation.
These values are essential for being a good citizen in the United States. A good citizen is someone who not only acts in their own interest but also contributes to the well-being of others and the common good. Upholding these principles helps ensure a strong, united nation.
Serving in the armed forces is one of the most significant ways to embody these values. It is not just about wearing a uniform; it is about dedicating oneself to the protection and defense of the nation and its citizens. Military service requires honor and integrity, as soldiers must uphold the highest standards of conduct. It demands perseverance to overcome the challenges and sacrifices of service, and courage to face difficult and dangerous situations. Military personnel also serve to preserve the freedoms and values that define the United States, making their commitment to duty both selfless and vital.
In conclusion, for me being an American today means living by these values and committing to serve both the nation and its people. It is about recognizing the power of selflessness, resilience, and respect for others. It is standing firm in the belief that principles such as honor, courage, and integrity not only shape the individual but also strengthen the nation as a whole.

Johnathen William Savage is a United States Marine veteran who volunteered to collaborate with me on this research project. He graciously allowed me to interview him, photograph him, and create personal insights from his experiences. This partnership has enabled me to create a body of work that explores the emotional aspects of military service, highlighting the themes of volunteerism and selfless acts. The resulting collection includes photographs, drawings, and paintings that reflect these profound experiences. Along with asking the question of what it means to be an American, this project also looks into the future, exploring how these values will continue to shape the identity of our nation.

The selected body of work will be featured in a solo exhibition at the Gadsden Museum of Art in December 2025.

  • Jonathen

    Digital Photography & Photo Editing

    Savage served five years of active duty in the United States Marines. Active duty refers to being on call 24/7, and actively participating in training, deployments, and various missions. During this time, a Marine is fully immersed in military life, receiving specialized training, carrying out operational duties, and often facing the physical and mental demands of service. This commitment is marked by a deep sense of duty, discipline, and sacrifice, as the Marine works to serve their country and uphold the values of the Corps. After five years, they may transition out of active duty, though their service remains a critical part of their identity and experience.

  • William

    Digital Photography & Photo Editing

    Savage earned awards for his service in the United States Marine Corps by demonstrating exceptional marksmanship with both rifle and pistol. These awards recognize his precision and skill in using these weapons, a key aspect of training and operational effectiveness for a Marine. In the military, marksmanship awards are given to those who show outstanding proficiency in firearm accuracy, which is crucial for both personal and team safety, as well as mission success. Earning such awards reflects a Marine's dedication to mastering their weaponry and their ability to perform under pressure, aligning with the Corps' high standards of readiness and excellence in combat situations.

  • Savage

    Digital Photography & Photo Editing

    Savage is a remarkable individual, and it was an honor to work with him on this project. He has served this country in a world where secrecy is paramount. In the United States Armed Forces, there are certain aspects of service that must remain classified, a vow taken by all who serve. This commitment to silence is vital for the protection of national security, the safety of service members, and the preservation of tactical advantage. Keeping military secrets is essential to ensuring that strategic plans, operations, and intelligence remain secure, preventing adversaries from gaining critical information that could jeopardize missions or lives. This discipline of secrecy is not just a matter of protocol—it is an integral part of the oath to protect the country, the people, and the values that the military stands for.

Savage A.F.

The Journey of Secrecy, American Values, and Protecting a Nation’s Legacy
Featuring Artwork Reflecting the Story of Service & Sacrifice

  • Drawing

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    This section focuses on drawings of Jonathen William Savage’s likeness, created using graphite pencils. These drawings incorporate symbolism, metaphors, and personifications, presenting various juxtapositions of images. Think of this experience as deciphering a secret code, where each piece holds a deeper meaning that you must unravel.

  • Painting

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    This section focuses on oil paintings featuring the likeness of Jonathen William Savage, where you will encounter a collection exploring symbolism, metaphors, and personifications. Think of this experience as searching for clues to decipher a code and uncover hidden messages. See if you can interpret the deeper meanings behind the paintings.

  • Photography

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    This section features the documented photographs of Jonathen William Savage. Digital photography refers to the process of capturing images using a digital camera, where the image is converted into electronic data rather than being recorded on traditional film. The digital format allows for easy editing, storage, and sharing of photographs, providing greater flexibility and precision in visual documentation.

  • The POW/MIA Flag: A Symbol of Remembrance and Honor

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    The POW/MIA flag is a symbol of remembrance and honor for prisoners of war and those missing in action, ensuring that they are never forgotten and representing the nation's commitment to bringing them home