I am heavily influenced by the Dada and Surrealist movements. Dali and Magritte are often a real source of inspiration for my work. Though not always the case, I often like to keep my subject matter relevant to what is currently going on in the world and am not afraid of tackling controversial topics. From a series I did on the war in Iraq (one of which took 1st Place in Photography) to my latest work in Oil, I express myself freely. Now that I am retired, I hope to spend a lot more time exploring new inspirations and completing projects I have long put off.
Set Free
Set Free
Photography
Part of a series I did about the War in Iraq. Though the U.S. invasion set Iraqis "free" , it was not without a terrible cost in lives. I entered this in the Annual Osceola Center for the Arts Juried Show around 2005 and it was purchased by the Center.
Facing Weapons of Mass Destruction
Facing Weapons of Mass Destruction
Photography
With the invasion of Iraq imminent, I decided to put this assemblage together and photograph it as a protest. Each object was chosen for its symbolic meaning with the mannequin head representing the Iraq people who were running out of time. It took 1st Place in Photography at the 2003 Osceola Center for the Arts Juried Art Show.
"The Art of Lying" framed
"The Art of Lying" framed
Painting
"Adieu"
"Adieu"
Painting
This painting was inspired by graffiti artist Banksy's "Girl with Balloon" and former president Donald J. Trump. The iconic Statue of Liberty symbolizing Freedom and Democracy stands in place of Banksy's little girl as an orange balloon floats away with Donald Trump's downward smirking glance embedded in it, in place of a heart shaped balloon. I think the message is pretty clear. The title is in French (the statue was a gift from France) meaning a dramatic Farewell. I find it truly appropriate that the opening at the Osceola Arts was on January 6th, the 1 year Anniversary of the attack by Trump supporters on the Capitol in an attempt to stop the democratic process of counting the Electoral College votes and certifying the results in favor of Trump's rival, Joe Biden. Democracy stood tall and held that day thanks to Vice President Mike Pence, our Representatives and Capitol police. We must be ever vigilant to any attack on this country, from without and perhaps even more disturbingly, from within.
"Adieu" detail
"Adieu" detail
Painting
Closeup picture
Peche a la traine Reedy Creek
Peche a la traine Reedy Creek
Painting
This painting is 22 years in the making. I did the original design in B & W on Scratchboard in 2000 and ever since have wondered how it would look in color. So, I finally broke down and dug out my oils and went to work. Just finished December 2022.
ZEBRA
ZEBRA
Photography
We have a lot of Swallowtail butterflies in the summer, usually Black and Giant ones, but on rare occasions we will spot a Tiger or the elusive Zebra Swallowtail. When I spotted this beautiful specimen on our Siam tulips, I snapped a bunch of pictures and this one stood out.