Freedom Is Not Free

The origins of this piece date back to a 2015 visit to the Arizona State Capitol with a close friend, Marvin Walton. Under the memorial park’s gazebo, with the carved phrase “Freedom is Not Free” above us, I snapped the photograph as a personal keepsake for him.
Years later, the political unrest of 2018 inspired me to revisit the image, transforming it into an artistic statement about the sacrifices demanded for justice and equality. The original low-quality photograph was entirely redrawn and illustrated in Adobe Illustrator, with every line and detail rendered by hand or digitally refined. This piece confronts us with a simple yet profound truth, emphasizing its relevance in times of racial injustice, political division, and the fight for freedom. It serves as a call to reflect and resist complacency in these tumultuous times.

Technical Details
Original Medium: Digital Photograph
Equipment Used: Digital camera (model unknown)
Software: Adobe Illustrator
Process: Hand-drawn digital illustration based on the original photograph

  • Christina Mae Moseid
    Photographer
  • Marvin Clyde Walton
    Subject
  • Genres:
    Political, Social Commentary, People
  • Date Taken:
    May 17, 2015
  • Camera:
    Digital Camera (model unknown)
  • Lens:
    N/A
  • Focal Length:
    N/A
  • Shutter Speed:
    N/A
  • Aperture:
    N/A
  • ISO / Film:
    N/A
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Temecula, California, United States
    April 27, 2025
    DigiFest 2025
Artist Biography

I am a multidisciplinary artist specializing in digital and traditional painting, theatrical makeup, and visual storytelling. My work blends activism, personal history, and artistic exploration to create thought-provoking pieces that challenge and inspire. With a background in creative coaching and teaching, I am passionate about guiding others to discover their artistic voice and embrace self-expression. My portfolio spans fine art, digital illustration, stage & film makeup, and conceptual photography, reflecting my commitment to merging different artistic disciplines into compelling narratives.

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Artist Statement

Art is my language—a way to process the world, challenge perceptions, and ignite conversations. I work across digital and traditional media, using color, texture, and composition to explore themes of identity, activism, and transformation. My art is deeply personal yet universally resonant, often inspired by candid moments, historical reflection, and the emotional weight of our times.

Through painting, digital illustration, stage makeup, and visual storytelling, I strive to create work that is not just seen, but felt. Whether through the raw immediacy of a manipulated photograph or the carefully sculpted layers of theatrical makeup, my goal is to evoke emotion, provoke thought, and inspire action.

I believe in the power of art as both resistance and healing—a tool to challenge oppression, uplift voices, and reflect the human experience. My work is not just about aesthetics; it’s about connection, conversation, and change.