At What Price, Liberty?

Today I decided to revisit a collage piece that I'd had on the backburner. Sometimes I just have to put things aside to gain some perspective on them or to let them come into focus more clearly. This was one of those projects. And I'm glad I decided to put it aside, rather than try to force it when I originally started it, as I think the end result is much more coherent.

You might perhaps notice a recurring theme? I'm not sure how much longer it's going to be holding court here, so I guess I'll just ride it out and see where it's going. I have some other ideas floating around, but so far they're just enticing me, so I really don't know when they'll be joining the party.

So without further ado, here's today's offering!

At what Price, Liberty?

(I expect you'll want to click the image for a closer look.
There's a LOT of detail in the border!)

It's a Good Thing I'm Picky!

I'm not gonna lie, I'm kinda embarrassed about the earlier incarnations of my current collage. Now that I've taken a good bit of time to rework the colours, I feel that the image has a lot more punch. While it's all well and good to use a few vibrant colours for visual appeal, it can distract, not only from the image itself, but from the underlying message. So I think the reworking of this image has really helped, both with the impact and the message. Before the colours were a bit muddy, aside from being a bit distracting. Sure the glaring brightness might have pointed up the irony of the image, but I don't really think that needed highlighting. Also I think the previous colour scheme competed with more than complimented the image.

Now the only problem is deciding which of the later variants I like best. There are three contenders, but for me it's a tie between two of them. I do already have in mind which one I prefer, but I wonder which one appeals most to others. So here are, what I believe to be, the final three variants of Protect Your Future.

New Artwork!

I think this is finished. I'm going to post it here anyway and, if it turns out that I decide it needs tweeking, I can always post the revised image later.

(CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW LARGER)