This week is the 50th anniversary of the peace symbol. Charles Passy, writer for the Palm Beach Post newspaper, challenged area artists to create a peace symbol that held more meaning for our time than the original CND symbol.
Although the current peace symbol has become almost universally pervasive, it is a relic of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, from a time when the threat of nuclear winter was the most chilling thought in society’s collective consciousness. The scare of nuclear war is not gone, but today we have more pressing global issues that pose a great threat to worldwide peace. The biblical symbols of the dove and olive branch originally signaled the rejuvenation of the earth after the great flood. Today, life on earth is once again being threatened by the flood waters of sectarian violence, poverty, violent dictatorship, starvation, and global warming (in brief). The dove carrying the olive branch reminds us that every one of us has the power to be the dove, reaching out to our neighbor, and extending the olive branch of hope. The symbol reminds us to make peace with nature, and to make peace with ourselves.
Hello Caren
I am writing to ask whether you would allow me to use your beautiful peace symbol on some cards I am making for my farm in Jamaica called St Mary’s peace farm. It is a fruit and flower farm and it is a very beautiful and peaceful place.
Please let me know if that would be Ok. I am thinking because it is on the web it might be but I also thought I would ask your permission. Of course I would add your name as attribution.
Anne Bailey
876 588 9344
I am a member of the local Justice and Peace Catholic Commission and am currently put together material for our annual meeting. May I kindly use your symbol and the brief description/explanation? Many thanks.
Hi George,
I would be honored to have you use my artwork if you are able to reference me as the artist with a link to my website.
— Caren