Artist Profile: Rick and Victoria Pearson

Creating Art to Honor Those Who Serve

By Ellen Samsell Salas

Combining a knack for working with wood, a willingness to experiment, and an appreciation for those who serve, north Georgia artists Rick and Victoria Pearson are honoring Old Glory, soldiers, veterans, and public servants through their custom-made wooden flags, crosses, and tribute plaques.

An inspector for Cobb County, Rick spent his free time making furniture from wine barrels, which the couple would then sell at craft fairs. Victoria focused on breeding Great Danes and managing her boarding facility while organizing their trips to craft fairs. It was at a fair where the couple saw a flag made from wood.

When we first saw it, we learned it was made by machine, Victoria said. But Rick thought he could create something similar by hand. He tried different tools and found what worked best. Hes always learning; he studies, searches for new techniques, and talks to other woodworkers.

Now, Rick and Victoria create flags in a variety of sizes, from mini (12.5 inches x 6 inches) to large (36.5 inches x 19 inches). Their tribute plaques honor all branches of military service including special forces, Navy SEALs, and Airborne divisions whatever the client requests. Crosses, painted in a stars and stripes design, convey faith and patriotism. Sports fans can also request team plaques.

No matter which item Rick is creating, he enjoys making each piece unique. He starts with a solid piece of eastern white pine and creates a ripple effect that makes the flags appear to be in motion. Rick tailors each piece to the clients wishes, adding a military branch plaque or an emblem if requested. Police and fire personnel can be honored by adding blue or red lines to the flags.

Victoria says they work as a team: Rick does the carving; I plan the trips. I come up with a lot of the ideas, and he implements them. Sometimes, I help with the painting.

Though their unique artistic creations bring them much satisfaction, they also relish touching peoples lives. With family members who served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and law enforcement, Rick and Victoria agree it is a joy to honor them.

The couple are moved by veterans who sit quietly and look at their work and also by those who thank them.

Returning to a craft fair in Virginia Beach where we had sold quite a few pieces, people stopped to tell us that they had received one of our flags from a spouse, and it was the best gift ever, Victoria said.

The flags, emblems, and plaques clearly resonate with people. In 2019, they sold approximately 1,000 pieces. An order takes a week to 10 days to complete.

Visit VictoryWaveUSA.com to see Rick and Victorias flags, crosses, and plaques.