Artwork copyright Joellyn Rock. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Joellyn Rock. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Joellyn Rock. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Joellyn Rock. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Joellyn Rock. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Liberties Leading The People, 1990

Joellyn Rock
American (born 1957)

Location: Kingston Middle School, Kingston

About the Artwork

Liberties Leading The People is a painted ceramic vase created by artist Joellyn Rock. The imagery and title reference a painting by the French artist Eugene Delacroix (1798-1863) about the French Revolution (1789-1799). Joellyn Rock notes that in the painting, “a female figure symbolizes ‘liberty’ which the French people rise up to follow.” Her vase plays with this theme and applies it to modern-day issues. She states, “On the front of the classical vessel form, liberties of speech, press, arms, religion, sexual expression and reproductive choice parade past. On the reverse side of the vessel, Freedom takes the form of a free lunch line, as one also has the liberty to fail in this sink or swim economy.”

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with North Kitsap School District.

About the Artist

Seattle-based artist Joellyn Rock creates painting, ceramics, and sculpture. Interested in the intersection of theater and visual arts, she has served as a teaching artist and collaborated on performances for children. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington.