Luck Pins and Buttons
Description: The Molly Maguires were a secret society of Irishmen that were active in the anthracite coal region of Pennsylvania during the late 19th century, and by active I mean they used physical violence to fight back against the coal bosses whose treatment of their workers were nothing short of oppressive. In fact, some consider the Mollies to be a direct precursor to organized labor in the United States. The design is done in a vintage “chalk board” style which fits perfectly for the Molly Maguires design since the style is a throw back to the 19th century saloon signs. If you look closely at all the different text on the design, you’ll see references to Molly Maguire history. The “coffin notes”, a quote from a Molly Maguire, and the le...
Description: This piece was both referenced and inspired by my lucky cat or in Japanese, maneki neko, collection. I have around 40 scattered throughout my home. Having a lucky cat at home is suppose to bring good fortune and money. Lucky cats mean different things depending on the colour and if it's the right paw or the left paw raise as well as the colour and items they are holding. I find these cute cats lovely to have in the home. For good feng shui, I am told that you need to place them near where you make money and visible to an open door to invite good fortune. Bunnies are hidden throughout the piece. Inked and drawn traditionally and digitally colored and edited in Photoshop.
Description: While the shamrock gets most of the glory in modern times, it's actually the Celtic harp that has been the major emblem of Ireland throughout history! The history of this emblem of the Emerald Isle stretches back into ancient times. It was the most sought after instrument throughout all of the Celtic lands, not just Ireland. Scotland, Wales, Brittany, anywhere there were vestiges of Celtic culture you would find the Celtic harp. In fact, the harp was so prominent in Celtic culture, that the Celtic harp came to symbolize them as a people. You can find images of the Celtic harp on the flags of the Irish regiments of the American Civil war, the Guinness emblem, and many other logos where "Irishness" is meant to be demonstrated. S...
Description: Lacey, Washington, was originally called Woodland after settlers Isaac and Catherine Wood, who claimed land there in 1853. When the railroad came through in 1891, residents decided it was time to apply for a post office. The request was denied because there was already a town called Woodland on the Columbia River. They decided to call the city Lacey and got a post office, though the city of wasn't officially incorporated until 1966. One year later, The Loose Caboose Tavern opened in Lacey, and quickly became a popular watering hole for the locals, many of which commuted to Olympia, Fort Lewis, and to some extent, Tacoma, for work, but came how every night to tie one on at their favorite tavern,
