Jersey Shore Pallet

So during vacation, I was inspired to make something that represents my new home state. At first, I was going to make the state of NJ with a heart over the shore area to represent the healing that has, is, and will take place post-Hurricane Sandy, but then, I noticed the light around the Shore area, and decided to roll with that, letting the light emanate from the Shore. Subtle, but a happy accident.

To make this, I cut up some pallets (which remind me of boardwalk and further the concept of this piece)and left them unsanded, like driftwood.

Then I hand cut out a stencil of the state of New Jersey (this took FOREVER) using a shape I found online and the website :

Blockposters.com

I used some spray paint so it would bleed a little bit, and since Jersey used to be (officially) the Garden State, I went with green and blue on the inside and red and yellow on the outside.

Red for this Hurricane symbol you see everywhere these days. I also kind of wanted it to look like a sunrise (new beginning). Ok, I'm an English teacher; I'm really into symbolism! I can't help it. Now it resides at the top of my steps. Jersey Strong!