The paintings below are all part of a series of “Love Letters.” For me these represent the foundation for who I am and the inspiration for the works that I created for DARKMATTER. All of the paintings in the show come from deep emotional responses but these in particular are incredibly personal.
Home
2022 Oil, pigment stick, spray paint, oil pencil on canvas. 72″x60″
When I was a little boy my mom frequently took me to the Saint Louis Art Museum. We would walk around and look and look. A single mom doing everything she could to expose me to art and culture. There was never much money but there was no shortage of love and determination. She gave me everything I am. When we learned about her lung cancer I made this painting in an emotional state. I’m pleased to say that she has responded well to treatment and is still her energetic and sparkly self. I’m honored to be showing this painting in my show DARKMATTER. I’m even more honored that she will be there.
All The Diamonds
2021 Oil, pigment stick, spray paint, oil pencil on canvas. 72″x60″
This painting is for all the children who will be inheriting the earth from my generation, and those before us. Pressure is your namesake. The mantle passed down is a ramshackle pantry whose residence include the biggest rodents the world has ever seen. Who could blame you for the ruthlessness with wich you will rid yourselves of the freeloading swine. One could guess mercy to be as scarce as watter.
This Boy
2021 Oil, pigment stick, spray paint, oil pencil on canvas. 72″x60″
Originally this painting was intended to be a letter to my late father expressing forgiveness. In the process I couldn’t find words. He was never in my life and I hadn’t really known him. Instead it became a letter to the confused little boy I was, from myself as the father I am today. Through the work, I discovered perhaps the forgiveness for us both.
She Is Home
2021 Oil, pigment stick, spray paint, oil pencil on canvas. 72″x60″
This painting is a love letter to my grandmother. While my mom was at work my grandmother took care of me and shared with me so much about how to live a happy and full life. I can still see her laughing while doing the jitterbug. Oh what I wouldn’t give for a piece of her strawberry rhubarb pie.
