This piece is inspired by the earliest settlement that led to the country we know today and the hardships and struggles (it was almost totally wiped out a few times over the first 3 years) the settlers had to face in a new and unexpected world.
They came in search of immediate wealth and power. They thought they'd land somewhere, find gold or other resources fairly quickly, and sail back to England as rich men, honored for the risk and rewarded for their success...but that's not quite how it happened. They landed during a drought...they were unprepared to defend themselves against an unknown native culture...they expected to be helped by natives and find a way to produce food once they got there, not preparing for drought and famine, in case the new world didn't quite hold the riches they were expecting.
They came in search of greatness and found an untamed land, a world away from their home with no help within reach, barring the occasional supply ship. They starved, fought, died, and eventually, established a large enough presence that permanent residence became the point, not a quick track to riches.
It wasn't the glorious trip they had in mind, but it was still the settlement that established the United States, a good example of persistence through hardship for the hope of something greater.
As for the piece...a skeletal figure wades in grey water, letting it drop from the sifting pan while extending a boney arm to search for hopeful treasure. The red near the top left references the constant threat of attack and the many deaths the settlers absorbed during their daily activities...at one point, the threat of being killed was so bad they surrounded the town with a big wall and barely ever left it's confines, even burying diseased dead within the walls. The piece of the bulldog clip, stuck to the center of the piece, is represntative of being out of place...the idea that this entire situation is unclear, uncomfortable, and unsure...
the photo isn't great so other details seem to be getting lost, but I'll take some detail shots and throw those up soon with an explanation...
and here's a link to the documentary which inspired the piece, 'Nightmare in Jamestown'. (it's available on instant Netflix as well.)
http://www.amazon.com/National-Geographic-World-Nightmare-Jamestown/dp/B000ARXF8W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352321223&sr=8-1&keywords=nightmare+in+jamestown
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