Tomorrow, July 4th, the United States celebrates its 232nd birthday.

For me, patriotism has always been about pride in one's contribution to the community.  We are a nation founded, developed, and changed, by individuals.  From independence to civil rights, America depends not on conformity or mob mentality, but instead on the hard work of innovation and uniqueness.  I desire to be challenged by something new and different in politics, art, relationships, and commerce. 

Looking at the work of independent artists and designers is heartening for me.  There thrives our history in the forged steel cloak pins, and there inspires our future in the solar powered light seeking robots.  Mainstream media tells us that all is hopeless, that our voices go unheard, that we are lazy, apathetic, and shallow.  Independent artists and crafters defy this wave of cynicism, choosing to reconnect with the individuality, the hard work, and the creativity that is America at its best — or rather one of the best things you'll find in America that also transcends national borders. International creativity can unite us all in change for the better.

— mtraub