Winter is a metaphor for the times in which we are traveling. Inspired by Chris Stain and Josh MacPhee's interpretation of Gil Scott-Heron's album which bears this title, I used a burning barrel which is evocative of some of the social themes Scott-Heron tackles. Economic hard times today are similar to those of the 1970's, when "Winter in America" was written and recorded. Their impacts are made invisible in most landscapes. The fires lit in burning barrels symbolize the perseverance and mutual aid of the downtrodden.