Echoes of the Mountain: Reflections at Kennesaw

The  cannon depicted in the foreground is a reminder of the  Battle of Kennesaw Mountain , fought on June 27, 1864, during General Sherman’s Atlanta Campaign in the Civil War. This battle was a pivotal moment in the conflict, where Union forces faced a formidable Confederate defense. The cannon represents the strategic military history of the site but also the violence and destruction that war inevitably brings. As I placed this element in the artwork, I felt the weight of that history—the echo of cannon fire, the soldiers who stood their ground, and the lives that were forever changed.  

In the background, the rolling hills of  Kennesaw Mountain rise up, lush and green. The mountain itself is a witness to history, standing tall as nature slowly heals the scars left by battle. Kennesaw Mountain is not just a backdrop, but a central character in the story of this place—a symbol of endurance and the passage of time. I included the mountain to remind viewers that while human events may be fleeting, the land remains, holding onto the memories of those who have passed through it. To me, the mountain represents resilience, both in nature and in the human spirit.  

The  memorial monument , likely commemorating the soldiers who fought and died at Kennesaw, adds a solemn and reverent tone to the piece. Monuments are physical embodiments of memory, serving as reminders of the past and symbols of the legacy we inherit. This particular monument, with its figures etched in stone, is a tribute to bravery and sacrifice. As I created this image, I wanted to convey a sense of stillness and reflection—an invitation for viewers to pause and honor the lives that were lost in this pivotal battle.  

One of the most powerful elements of the artwork is the  sunrise (or sunset) casting golden light across the landscape. The warm light represents both the end of one day and the beginning of another—a metaphor for the passage of time and the possibility of renewal. This light symbolizes hope after the darkness of war, the healing that comes with time, and the promise of peace. As I worked with these golden hues, I reflected on how the land has transformed since the Civil War, from a place of conflict to one of reflection and serenity. The warm tones are meant to evoke a sense of comfort, hope, and continuity.  

The  autumn foliage , with its vibrant shades of orange, yellow, and red, reflects the natural beauty of Kennesaw Mountain in the fall. Autumn is a season of change and reflection—a time when the landscape transforms before our eyes. For me, the autumn colors in this piece represent both the beauty and fragility of life, a reminder that everything is in a constant state of change. In the context of Kennesaw, these colors also symbolize the cyclical nature of history, how we move forward while still honoring the past.  

The  blue and orange tones in the sky create a sense of balance between calm and energy, reflection and action. The  blue hues in the upper part of the image bring a sense of peace and serenity, while the  orange tones infuse the scene with warmth and vitality. These contrasting colors reflect the duality of the site—once a place of violent conflict, now a place of peace and natural beauty. The interplay of these colors evokes both the tumultuous history of the battlefield and the peaceful present that exists today.  

As I reflected on the history of  Kennesaw Mountain , I was struck by the resilience of both the land and the people connected to it. The Battle of Kennesaw Mountain was a crucial moment in the Civil War, part of General William T. Sherman’s campaign to capture Atlanta, and it involved intense fighting and heavy casualties on both sides. Yet today, the mountain and the surrounding battlefield are places of reflection and remembrance, where visitors can walk the trails, explore the history, and appreciate the natural beauty that has returned.  

Through "Echoes of the Mountain: Reflections at Kennesaw," I wanted to create a piece that honors the sacrifices made on this ground while also celebrating the beauty and resilience of the land. This artwork is about the convergence of past and present, about finding peace in the memory of conflict and hope in the lessons of history. The  cannon , the  mountain , the  monument , and the  sunrise all work together to tell a story of endurance, reflection, and renewal—both for the land and for those who come to remember.  

In creating this piece, I hope to inspire viewers to reflect on the enduring impact of history and the ways in which landscapes hold onto the memories of those who came before. Just as the mountain stands tall, we too can draw strength from the past and move forward into the future with hope and resilience.