This painting is meant (with the best of intentions) to be a tributeto Bob Marley which includes his Rastafari faith. While in Jamaica a Rasta had told me a story about Rastafari worship that evolved from the worship and prayer of the slaves in Jamaica before they managed to bring their British captors to a standoff. The slaves would escape to the mountains with the help of other former slaves who had previously escaped. This continued until the British had no choice but to negotiate. The slaves would pray for their return to Africa, their own exodus like the Israelite exodus from Egypt. The spiritual correlation became the inspiration for Marley’s song "Exodus". The song is rooted in passion to return to their promised land. The Rastas smoke marijuana to enter the spiritual state to commune with Jah (God). This practice started after slavery had ended and devout Rastas do not smoke for recreation.

Symbolism:
The ship emerging from the plants faces east towards Africa. It is about to unfurl its sails as it sits in an east Jamaican coast bay.
Colors: Dominating the color scheme are the Rasta colors Red – blood, Green – representing the land, Gold – the minerals and natural riches of the land. I also included black and yellow from the flag of Jamaica – Green, yellow and black. Green – same as Rasta green, Yellow – same as Rasta Gold, Black – the burden put on the people.
The lion in the lower middle is from the song “Iron Lion of Zion” (also a powerful Rasta symbol).
Next to the lion, obscured is the CIA eagle crest. The popular belief in Jamaica is that the failed assassination attempt on Bob Marley in the 1970s was orchestrated by the CIA. The whole event is shrouded in mystery hence the obscured crest.
The sheriff’s badge from the “I shot the sheriff” cover song which shows Marley was not always serious and had a sense of humor.
The eighth notes represent the eight people (including Marley) that created music that changed music history. To the right of the smaller eighth note written vertically is I Threes, the name of backing vocal which included Marley’s Rita. The larger eighth note has a bull’s eye in it representing the attempt on his life. There are two representing how Marley’s legend grew exponentially after the assassination attempt.
The four pointed star symbolizes a wounded star, wounded but still shining.
The crossed sabers on the collar, for the song “Buffalo Soldier”, are the insignia for the American buffalo soldiers. Between the sabers would normally be the regiment number but I substituted 400 to represent the 400 years of slavery.
The gold tear on the cheek is from the song “No Woman No Cry”.
In the middle next to his right eye represents the song “One Love”, and symbolizes Marley’s spiritual passion.