While I don't think I am particularly political in most of my work... things in my lovely home-state of Illinois have become so absurd that my work is being affected. For those of you who aren't lucky enough to know the background....

Illinois State Gov. Rod Blagojevich had the responsibility to fill the Senate seat vacated by the election of Barack Obama to the Presidency. His response was to seek political funding or a personal appointment in return for selecting a Senator, in all effect seeking to SELL the seat in the U.S. Senate to the highest bidder and for his own benefit! In addition, he used his influence to delay federal funding to a Childeren's Hospital and may have had some hand in the bankruptcy of the Chicago Tribune. All in all... he's been a world-class corrupt politician, and this from a place not exactly unfamiliar with corrupt leadership.

He is currently under criminal investigation and impeachment hearings within the state continue. Despite party leadership urging him NOT to make a Senatorial appointment and stepping down to save some dignity for our state, he went ahead and named someone... someone who will not be recognized as a legal appointment... leaving the State under-represented at the national level.

Following all this as it unravels is a horror to behold. My little tribute takes a photo of our beloved gov, and overlays a portion of the actual criminal complaint outlining these and several other of his misdeeds. Take a close look at the text itself... it only hints at the kind of guy Blagojevich seems to be. I have a feeling this will be his legacy... forever tinted by accusations, if not actual convictions.

Sorry for the long rant... clearly this has gotten under my skin. Thanks for taking the time to read all this nonsense. Regarding the actual artwork... I think I will revise this at some point, using more scandalous selections and probably adding a few layers for more content. Please let me know of what you think of my concept for this piece.