SoCal Strong: I.E. woodworker makes flags into works of art
A Rancho Cucamonga woodworker focuses on a patriotic passion project, making huge American flags in his garage and hoping to bring unity in troubled times.
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (KABC) -- His days start bright and early so Brian Oien has plenty of time to work on his special project: turning ordinary wood into extraordinary, handcrafted American flags.
"I took a neighbor's flag and actually asked to borrow his flag and he thought I was crazy. Well what are you going to do with it Brian?" said Oien.
He took the flag so he could study it carefully, taking a close look at the placement of the stars and the stripes.
"I literally got to work the next day on this thing," said Oien.
He turned his garage into a wood shop, with the patriotic project giving him purpose. It also allowed him to stay home with his daughter as she battled and survived cancer.
"My why in life is my daughter," said Oien.
His company has sold over 800 American flags to date. He builds one flag each day.
"I have these flags pretty much all over my house," said customer Alex Pena.
"Little things like this can really bring us back centered and we'll get through it," said Kendall Crawford, Oien's neighbor.
"There's hope. There's hope for everybody. Depending on whatever differences that we can come together as one," said Teresa Oien, Brian's wife.
"Being very patriotic, it doesn't just run through my blood, it runs through this country and I want to see it run through everyone's home with an American flag," said Brian.
