Victory Gardens were vegetable gardens grown in people’s yards during WWI and WWII. People were encouraged to grow their own vegetables at home to help with the war effort because many of the men who traditionally worked the farmlands were at war. Food wasn’t as available as it was during peace-times. Growing food at home was also, obviously more affordable than buying it. Home gardens were considered a way to help the war effort at home and were promoted as a way towards victory by lessening demand for food at home, hence the name.
As many of you know, I enjoy gardening and normally consider it a very peaceful escape and hobby. Recently on Twitter I have seen a lot of people recommending that people start their own gardens now with indoor sprouts to prepare to plant in the spring. The recommendation is appearing not because gardening is really a great thing or fun thing to do, it is, but because of the fear that Trump is going to damage our trade with Mexico which will cause the cost of fruits and vegetables to go up at least twenty percent. That and the fear of war returning because of Trump’s extreme emotional and irrational leadership.
I created this piece of art, called Victory Garden as a reaction to the time we Americans find ourselves in. This illustration shows how something once so peaceful, like spring blooms, can suddenly become frightening when placed within the context of racism, xenophobia and war.
Stay strong.
Here is the time lapse of me creating this image.
Victory Garden from Amy Davis Roth on Vimeo.
This was originally posted on my Patreon. Please support me there so I can keep making art.
