On the 4th of July, people express their patriotism in various ways.
One local artist, moved after the events of 9/11, took something people usually throw away and turned it into art.
It was all because he wanted to show his love for our country, and he did it in a public way.
“America is a blessing to me,” explained Robert Carley as he stood before his work of art on the lawns of the state Capitol Thursday.
Carley is a background actor by trade, but art is one of his true loves.
“I've lived in Connecticut for a long time...and I thought what better place to set up a flag than the Capitol.”
He graduated with a degree in fine arts and political science, so his artistic form of the American flag in egg cartons is a perfect blend of both.
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“I've been taking photos of flags since 911...right after 9/11 I noticed beautiful flag tributes people painting fences even cars even homes,” he said. “My first flag was made out of paper clips and then water bottles and then going to the diner I noticed these great egg cartons.”
He started collecting them, and began practicing in his backyard his plan for an American flag of srots that all could enjoy.
The only problem was hot to make the star.
“I thought eggs what more perfect image to put in than eggs than stars butt together?” he said. “There aren't exactly 50 but a little poetic license.”
Spray-painted egg crates and strategically placed eggs. an unusual concept for a flag, but Carley said “found art” as it’s called is a perfect way to artistically celebrate our unique country.
“I believe that America is the great country that has ever been and I think of all days we have to settle down and relax and enjoy our freedom enjoy America and be grateful for the founding fathers they are genius for creating a country that everyone wants to come to,” he said.
Curious onlookers took pictures and asked about his larger than life assembly of red, white and blue. He reveled in the fact that in its own way it was uniting people on the nation’s 243rd birthday. “Patriotism is alive and well with me,” he said.
“Whether you're a Republican or a Democrat, red state or a blue state, we are all red white and blue today.”
