The Epic of Man

What if guns had never been invented?
 
The idea of war and weaponry are both fascinating and repulsive to me. Imagine if wars never existed from the beginning, and man never had to kill, whether in anger or to protect. What could we dream of and build if wars or murder were never a consideration?
 
Yet at the same time, I find myself drawn to the design of the tools and weapons of war. Perhaps that's from my father's participation in World War II, and career as a police officer. In his 20 year career, he never had to fire his weapon. Not because he was like Barney Fife (younger folks, google him), but because of his training and demeanor as a true keeper of the peace.
 
The quote in the bottom right is from Ernest Hemingway, in a 1930s-era magazine. 
 
Hand-cut collage including a deconstructed map, on masonite, 20x33x2".