Portrait in Dialogue

The manifestation of thought is represented by various circles.

The circle represents cycle, the infinite, the cosmos, potential... 

Under the classification of metaphors and symbolism in my work, Thought is the "kingdom" under which all the other meanings are classified under. These correlating meanings are derived from the shape, form, color, placement, and relationship of the circles within the paintings.

Circles which appear to be galaxies/universes, are meant to be literal, but also metaphorical. 

"...we are the dust of stars," and therefore the dirt of the universe. 

How wonderful, that dirt, can become the world, with all its convoluted ills and miracles.

It is from this knowledge, I chose to use this circular motif.

I chose to place this metaphor in the hands of my avatar. My child avatar cupping the universe like water to drink.

Following the narrative between the circle, the galaxy, the water, and the relationship with my avatar, I want the viewer to extrapolate from the sacrament.

For the galaxy is our body and blood, and we are the galaxy. The most holy sacrament would be consuming the thought that, stars, died for us to be here, so that they can be reborn as us, and us as them.

This work is a a medley of techniques and -isms.

I mix spontaneous brush strokes, texture and drips, with smooth transitions, painterly juxtapositions, cross hatching, lighting, and washes/glazes. 

...by manipulating the perspectives of subjects, artifacts, and landscapes, I hope to explore the power of composition to capture the viewers gaze and interest.

The red path is symbolic of a vein and blood, which connects with lineage and heritage. The red path is  also symbolic for travel, progression, and life. The reference to blood, is symbolic for struggle intrinsic in life's journey.

The door way is symbolic for past, future, and present. The door also represents the unknown and in some cases the projection of my aspirations/inspirations. The door is open and amidst the landscape, unhinged from a structure to represent my thoughts unrestricted...

One of the most important parts of the process in my painting, is curating the surface.

I make calculated compositional choices in studying the painting at various stages. Part of that is deciding precisely where texture is applied and how it is balanced throughout the work.

I see painting as a way to capture time within layers of paint, much like the ridges in a vinyl record, which captures the sound waves of a voice.

Yet, a painting does much more. 

When an image is printed, it uses the same ink dot over and over. A photo uses the constant shape of a silver halide structure over and over. But in a painting, each brush stroke, splatter, drip, drop, is a unique mark that comes together to create the final work. for example, instead of a computer that functions only in 0's and 1's, a painting functions much like a quantum computer with a multitude of ways to crystalize information.  

A painting is created bit by bit over an extended period of time. Every brushstroke captures the artists mood, life, physicality, and the relationship with the subject.

A painting can be reworked, or sit in a studio until it's ripe to become what it is intended to become, unlike the "fast-food" nature of other image making technologies.

The gold circles behind my child avatar, are sundisks, and are meant to make reference to the westernized stereotype of a halo. The halo is an appropriation, taken from the circle motifs of African (Egyptian), and Asian cultures. 

The sundisk elevates the child avatar to an entity, beyond the physical world.

I utilize form and shape much like a contemporary painter, I approach design with a minimalist touch with the root of every element grounded in it's platonic form.

Clouds become an icon, as opposed to something simply painted to look like a cloud.

 Fire is Symbolic of life, environment, and creations entropic potential.

The placement of fire is important to its symbolism and its role in the narrative.

This is an allegory of my life and thoughts...

...depicting an Architect, Artist, and Engineer

Amongst the landscape of dreams and perspective.

drawing from parables and folktales...

I like to think of myself as a "Craft" Distiller.

I don't produce work to make as much as possible. Instead, I paint works in small batches, emphasizing quality. Adhering to a standard that is defined by the focus that is allowed by limited production and extended periods of time. Work that is influenced by an intimate connection with my personal experiences and transformed into a product that hopefully is enjoyed and contemplated over time.