RICHARD BARGDILL, PhD
I am an artist, an environmental activist and an associate professor of psychology at the Virginia Commonwealth University. I am the author (2014) of: An Artist’s Thought Book: intriguing thoughts about the artistic process (2nd Edition). I have published over two-dozen poems in various journals and books. I have won a couple of awards both for my poetry and my visual artwork. My 2009 sculpture called “I’m a tree chopped down everyday” was awarded 1st place at the official Pennsylvania State Art show. I teach a course at VCU on the Psychology of Creativity. I am currently curating an Eco-Martyr Portrait Series.
Threat to Order
(Oil on Canvas, 78” x 48”)
Ieshia Evans stands still in the middle of a vacant street with police blocking any advance. She is a threat to order. She is protesting the murder of Alton Sterling by the Baton Rouge Police force that faces her. Her act of defiance is too much for this society to handle. Two police officers rush at her. She does not flinch. They arrest her for obstructing a highway. The highway the police themselves have barricaded.