The Statue of Liberty is one of the most familiar icons of the United States. Dedicated in 1886, it has welcomed immigrants and visitors to America for more than 120 years. Sculptor Frederic Bartholdi drew on the ancient Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, for inspiration. A gift from France to the United States, the statue also was nurtured on the legend of Libertas, ancient Rome’s goddess of freedom. It does not stand still – it seems to step forward, her left foot crushing broken shackles. Her crown symbolizes all seven continents, and her torch signifies enlightenment. The tablet in her hand represents knowledge, and shows the date of the US Declaration of Independence. I made this photograph from the upper deck of a boat in motion. The sky was overcast, yet full of broken storm clouds. I position the statue over one of the brightest spots in the sky, a hazy sun which appears to breaking through at upper right. Exposing for the sun, I abstract the scene, yet I keep the color in the statue– the traces of green copper that give it so much of its identity. It is possible to draw many meanings from this image, but to me it represents the present state of the world, and my own country. Turbulent economies and terrible wars always cause suffering and can take a toll on human liberty – these are difficult times, yet this enduring symbol of freedom appears ready and willing to take them on.