This piece is dedicated to David Hogg. I wanted ot name it the NRA but my partner was afraid that would turn to many people away from my work.

The cognitive dissonance in America over gun violence terrifies me. As a mom, this issue hits close to home, and I feel a deep sense of responsibility to make noise about this epidemic. It’s crucial to raise awareness and work towards meaningful change. That’s why I’ve created several pieces aimed at drawing attention to this pressing problem.

I can’t ignore the heartbreaking stories of lives lost and families shattered due to gun violence. It’s unacceptable that we continue to see this tragedy unfold, and yet there seems to be a disconnect between the urgency of the situation and the actions taken to address it.

As an artist, I’ve channeled my emotions and convictions into my work, using my creativity as a powerful tool to advocate for a safer society. Through my pieces, I hope to spark conversations, provoke thought, and motivate people to stand up for sensible gun laws and measures that can save lives.

It’s daunting to confront such a complex issue, but as a mom, I can’t stand idly by. I have to be a voice for those who can no longer speak, for the children who have lost their innocence, and for the communities left scarred by violence.

Through my art, I hope to break through the cognitive dissonance, urging people to confront uncomfortable truths and come together in search of solutions. Change won’t happen overnight, but every step we take towards raising awareness is a step towards a safer future for our children.

It’s time for all of us, as parents, as citizens, as human beings, to unite against this epidemic and demand meaningful action. Together, we can work towards a country where our children can grow up without fear of gun violence, and where we can create a society that values life above all else.

Hey there, kids, let’s talk about the Second Amendment! It’s one of the ten cool amendments that make up the United States Bill of Rights. Way back in 1791, on December 15th, these rights were added to the U.S. Constitution to protect individual rights and keep the federal government in check. The Second Amendment goes like this:

“Amendment II: A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

Now, let’s break it down, shall we?

1. Right to Keep and Bear Arms: The Second Amendment says people have the right to own and carry guns. When it says “bear arms,” it means carrying weapons, and “keep arms” means you can have those firearms at home.
2. Context of a Well-Regulated Militia: The amendment starts off talking about a well-regulated militia. Back in the day, the Founding Fathers worried about big armies taking over, so they wanted regular folks to be ready to defend the free state. That’s why they thought a citizen militia was important for security and defense.
3. Individual Right vs. Collective Right: Now, here’s where the debate heats up! Some folks wonder if this right is for each person individually or for the whole group in a militia. This question has a big impact on gun laws and what the courts decide about it.
4. Judicial Interpretation: The highest court in the land, the U.S. Supreme Court, has spoken up on this matter. In 2008, they said the Second Amendment protects a person’s right to have guns for self-defense at home in District of Columbia v. Heller. Then, in 2010, they said the Second Amendment applies to state and local governments too in McDonald v. City of Chicago.
5. Regulation and Interpretation: Even though the Second Amendment guarantees the right to bear arms, it’s not a free-for-all! The government can still make rules to regulate guns, like restricting certain types, doing background checks, and adding safety measures.