Anyone growing up and coming of age in the late 60s remembers the

term "Flower Power".

Remember how alive, exciting, and hopeful everything seemed?

Then, as now, there was much that confronted us as a nation...... the cold war, with it’s threat of nuclear annihilation, the war in Vietnam was raging, racism spilled into rioting, and the assassinations of leaders we both admired and trusted shook us.

Yet as young people, re remained uncynical, confident, and boldly willing to speak the truth to power.

We really believed we could change the world.

In my artist's statement, I talk about my painting being "mostly about the exploration of beauty and the space we make for it's contemplation".

As I chose the flower as the subject-matter for this new series of paintings, I have never been more aware of that concept.... and of the time when we chose it as a symbol of the power we could exert to make change.

I want these pieces to not only be an homage to the beauty of nature, but also a reference to a more innocent and idealistic time unbowed by cynicism and alive with youthful possibility. I was lucky to have lived  during those tumultuous  and wonderful days.

Better days are ahead..... and CONGRATULATION to the good sense of the American people!

Peace

Tony Chimento