The Observer Series (Triptych)
The Observer represents my most recently completed works. It is a series inspired by my readings of science magazines' and documentaries' depictions of astronomical phenomena, to my best (layman) understanding.
The role of the observer is paramount in both art and science. In science, reproducible experiments are important to veracity, yet in art it is true that each person subjectively takes away something unique and of their own understanding.
The observer effect holds that a particle can hold multiple conditions simultaneously until the act of observation brings one into focus. Meanwhile, each of us reads a piece through a lens of our individual experiences that inform how we grok symbols; the way color affects our mood; the way we see shapes in the clouds.
The Universe
Oil on canvas, 2021 (28” x 28”)
Black Holes
Oil on canvas, 2021 (28” x 28”)
The Sun and Stars
Oil on canvas, 2021 (28” x 28”)
Nebula Study
Oil on canvas (12" H x 9" W)
Heavy Nebula
Oil on canvas, 2023 (12” x 12”)
This piece represents the latest in an artistic process where I've been playing with a technique that lays liquidy layers of transparent oils to make cloudy, nebulous forms. It is inspired by the lyrics of the song "Heavy in Your Arms" by Florence and the Machine.
Shattered Image Series
Some People Would Rather Break a Cherished Thing, Than Share In Its Reflection With Another
Oil on canvas, 2021 (30” W x 40” H)
An apparently intimate couple stands exposed, their views of each other shattered, the world they thought they were building together broken.
This Thing We’re All Going Through (2020)
Oil on canvas, 2021 (38" H x 62" W)
When the pandemic hit the US, it became common for a few months for the media to refer to COVID euphemistically as "this thing we're all going through" rather than acknowledge the deadly virus. This dark piece was motivated by the pandemic and events throughout 2020. It localizes world events and denies us our natural bias to compartmentalize things as overwhelming as a global pandemic.
Riot (left panel)
Oil and acrylic on plywood, 2019 (48" H x 24" W)
This diptych depicts a composite of events, or a collage of sorts that uses reference images from around the world from France to Iran to Venezuela (left panel, rioters; right panel, police)
Riot (right panel)
Oil and acrylic on plywood, 2019 (48" H x 24" W)
This diptych depicts a composite of events, or a collage of sorts that uses reference images from around the world from France to Iran to Venezuela (left panel, rioters; right panel, police)
Iustitiae (Lady Justice)
Oil on panel, 2017 (20" H x 16" W)
A depiction of the statue of justice, outside a courthouse. Framed.
Mixed-Metaphor Series
This ongoing series involves combining ideas from mythologies and more into new forms.
Red Flags Are All I Ever See
Oil on canvas, 2022 (20" H x 16" W)
Flight
Oil on canvas, 2018 (38” W x 44” H)
Icarus Impact
Oil on canvas, 2007 (40" H x 36" W)
Icarus Apex
Oil on canvas, 2008 (40" H x 36" W)
Representational
A Child Has Lost Their Toy (Elmo's Bad Day)
Oil on canvas, 2022 (40" H x 30" W)
I found Elmo like this, face down one morning.
Dragonboats
Oil on canvas, with acrylic underpainting, 2019 (34” W x 15” H)
One day several years ago I was strolling down the west bank of the Willamette River in Portland, killing some time, and I happened on dragonboats racing. Of course I took out my phone - when I was looking at the pictures later, I realized the two lead boats in one heat both reached their flags at the same time. This study of movement and color tries to capture the event.
A Big Pile of Garbage (Landfill)
Oil on plywood, 2018 (37.25” W x 19” H)
You know those overcast days you are wandering around a landfill, watching the dozers?
Jane, Poolshark
Oil on canvas, 2019 (24" x 24")
This is my friend, Jane. We played a lot of pool together.
Maria Roszak
Oil on canvas, 2019 (Not for sale)
Maria Roszak was a singular hero.
Sadie Roberts-Joseph Study
Oil on canvas, 2019 (Not for sale)
Sadie Roberts-Joseph was a woman whose name I came across in the news. By all accounts she was the warmest, most giving person, whose life was ended much too soon.
