I recently completed a new commission for Commander Dennis Quick using my Mélange technique. The tableau was built using memorabilia from Commander Quick’s career and serves celebration of his 29 years of service in the United States Navy. We shot it at his home just outside of Washington DC over the holidays where all of his memorabilia was located. To better understand all that goes into one of these pieces please take a look at the text and image below. It was an honor to create such a piece for Dennis and if you know someone who has a distinguished career, military or professional, I'd love to work with you to create an equally memorable image.
1. Hat & Officer’s Uniform: Commander, USN - Highest rank attained while on active duty. 2. Medals: 7 medals representing various achievements. 3. Navy Officer Sword and Scabbard: Required as part of Dennis’ ceremonial officer uniform. 4. Boot Camp Photo: Company 215, San Diego. This represents the start of Commander Quick’s Navy career. Dennis is the tall sailor in the middle of the back row. 5. Retirement Gift from NSASP Staff: Picture commemorating a large portion of his service including his, “I’m just freaking Peachy” quote which is, to this day, his standard response to “How you doing?” 6. Flag: A memento of Quick’s time in Brazil serving as the Navy Section Chief for the US Military Liaison Office, Brasilia, Brazil. It was flown over the US Embassy in Brazil in his honor 7. Wedding Photo: On August 1st, 1998 Dennis married Diane Bendixen in Rapid City, South Dakota. Quick was a Lieutenant Commander at the time enroute to Japan to serve as the Main Propulsion Assistant on the USS Kittyhawk 8. Master of Science in Applied Physics Diploma: Awarded to Dennis by the Naval Postgraduate School 9. Challenge Coins: Normally received from senior personnel for various reasons. These are a portion of Dennis’ collection. 10. Retirement Ceremony Program: A souvenir from his retirement ceremony. 11. South Potomic Pilot Newpaper: Cover story featuring Commander Quick’s retirement ceremony. 12. Polaroid #1: Taking the Oath administered by rear Admiral Cohen for my promotion to Commander. 13. Polaroid #2: His wife Diane and Rear Admiral Jay Cohen, Chief of Naval Research pinning on Commander Quick’s new rank insignia.