Please scroll down for descriptions of each piece.
"The Autumnist (The Autumn Mist)" c. 2013
"The Autumnist (The Autumn Mist)"
February 2013
After a lengthy hiatus from painting I returned in 2013. I had taken breaks before, but for the first time ever I began to fear I would never be able to return.
In order to keep from slipping away, I had decided I had to treat painting as an exercise routine ~ force myself at first and then it would become habit again. Then the joy would resurface and I would be more at peace. So I chose for the subject the tree that was the first thing I saw outside my front door as I came down the stairs each morning.
The Autumn is my favorite season, not just for its beauty of striking colors, but for its feeling of cleansing the soul and destroying all that is unnecessary. It is a reflection of my deep admiration and love of the season, as I see myself as “The Autumnist” ~ always trying to kill off what doesn’t serve me.
February 2013
After a lengthy hiatus from painting I returned in 2013. I had taken breaks before, but for the first time ever I began to fear I would never be able to return.
In order to keep from slipping away, I had decided I had to treat painting as an exercise routine ~ force myself at first and then it would become habit again. Then the joy would resurface and I would be more at peace. So I chose for the subject the tree that was the first thing I saw outside my front door as I came down the stairs each morning.
The Autumn is my favorite season, not just for its beauty of striking colors, but for its feeling of cleansing the soul and destroying all that is unnecessary. It is a reflection of my deep admiration and love of the season, as I see myself as “The Autumnist” ~ always trying to kill off what doesn’t serve me.
"Just A Phase" c. 2013
"Just A Phase"
March 2013
An associate of mine, Amanda Bloom, operated The Mercurial Art Gallery and events happening website in Danbury, CT. Unfortunately, its no longer around. In Spring 2013 she had a show called “Melt,” that “Just a phase” was part of. This was the first piece I had ever exhibited publicly, since my return. It felt great to get that spark again. This was also the first opportunity I had to get a chance to focus on something else ~ something more positive. There seemed to be a tiniest flicker of hope.
At this time in my life, I was trying to figure out what to do with how bad things were getting with the business. I felt nothing was getting better and time was dragging on. I begged for better times to come sooner. I hoped that this time of struggle was just a phase.
I have always been intrigued and inspired by the Surrealist School of Art and way of thinking. The most well-known image from that genre is from Dali’s “Persistence of Memory” of the melting clock. I wanted to give a nod in that direction, as the Surrealist movement was one of the first big discoveries I had in my young adult life.
March 2013
An associate of mine, Amanda Bloom, operated The Mercurial Art Gallery and events happening website in Danbury, CT. Unfortunately, its no longer around. In Spring 2013 she had a show called “Melt,” that “Just a phase” was part of. This was the first piece I had ever exhibited publicly, since my return. It felt great to get that spark again. This was also the first opportunity I had to get a chance to focus on something else ~ something more positive. There seemed to be a tiniest flicker of hope.
At this time in my life, I was trying to figure out what to do with how bad things were getting with the business. I felt nothing was getting better and time was dragging on. I begged for better times to come sooner. I hoped that this time of struggle was just a phase.
I have always been intrigued and inspired by the Surrealist School of Art and way of thinking. The most well-known image from that genre is from Dali’s “Persistence of Memory” of the melting clock. I wanted to give a nod in that direction, as the Surrealist movement was one of the first big discoveries I had in my young adult life.
"Breathing Space" c. 2013
"Breathing Space"
October 2013
I wanted to give respect and honor to a place I go to meditate. It overlooks the Housatonic River at Lover’s Leap State park. When things were at their worst I would always go there to retreat, meditate and come away with a clearer focus. I was always very lucky that I happened to always be alone there and never bothered by other onlookers. Once, I even found a folding chair left behind by someone else. They had the right idea. I used it. I had been sitting on the ground on the most comfortable rock I could find up to that point.
Now that things have cooled off, I haven’t been there as often, but I am happy to know it will wait for me. I have taken my children hiking there, however, and they love the view as much as I.
The title is borrowed from the Pet Shop Boys song of the same name, from their 2012 album “Elysium.” When I first heard that song (I know it sounds corny), I was shocked to hear that not only were there people struggling and in pain and confusion as I was, but I was being given clear direction on how to help myself: “…When the pressure’s pulling different ways, Find you running for some empty days ~ I stop for some Breathing Space…” I had to get out of my own way.
October 2013
I wanted to give respect and honor to a place I go to meditate. It overlooks the Housatonic River at Lover’s Leap State park. When things were at their worst I would always go there to retreat, meditate and come away with a clearer focus. I was always very lucky that I happened to always be alone there and never bothered by other onlookers. Once, I even found a folding chair left behind by someone else. They had the right idea. I used it. I had been sitting on the ground on the most comfortable rock I could find up to that point.
Now that things have cooled off, I haven’t been there as often, but I am happy to know it will wait for me. I have taken my children hiking there, however, and they love the view as much as I.
The title is borrowed from the Pet Shop Boys song of the same name, from their 2012 album “Elysium.” When I first heard that song (I know it sounds corny), I was shocked to hear that not only were there people struggling and in pain and confusion as I was, but I was being given clear direction on how to help myself: “…When the pressure’s pulling different ways, Find you running for some empty days ~ I stop for some Breathing Space…” I had to get out of my own way.
"A New Season, Part 1" c. 2013
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"A New Season Part 2" c. 2013
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"A New Season, Parts 1 and 2"
December 2013
This was another reflection on Autumn. These paintings were based on close up shots I took of the first time I noticed the leaves fall in Autumn 2013. They were taken at Little Britches Riding Academy on the first day where my twins were taking horseback riding lessons for Physical Therapy.
This piece is symbolic in many ways. At this particular time, I was struggling terribly with my failing business and things were getting worse. I was really running out of hope and energy and patience. I felt like the dead leaf on the ground, waiting to be trampled or blown away. However, choosing to study and focus on something that represented a time period I loved made me more mindful of the immediate moment and took me away from my fears. These two pieces are important because it was the first time I truly needed to paint for therapy. That mindfulness, and getting lost in the act of painting brought me to serenity, not just gazing at the final outcome.
The reason that there are two versions is because each one represents one of my twins. I sometimes titled my paintings based on songs from my favorite bands. “A New Season” is a great song from one of the most underrated bands, The Church, from Australia (off their album “Starfish”).
December 2013
This was another reflection on Autumn. These paintings were based on close up shots I took of the first time I noticed the leaves fall in Autumn 2013. They were taken at Little Britches Riding Academy on the first day where my twins were taking horseback riding lessons for Physical Therapy.
This piece is symbolic in many ways. At this particular time, I was struggling terribly with my failing business and things were getting worse. I was really running out of hope and energy and patience. I felt like the dead leaf on the ground, waiting to be trampled or blown away. However, choosing to study and focus on something that represented a time period I loved made me more mindful of the immediate moment and took me away from my fears. These two pieces are important because it was the first time I truly needed to paint for therapy. That mindfulness, and getting lost in the act of painting brought me to serenity, not just gazing at the final outcome.
The reason that there are two versions is because each one represents one of my twins. I sometimes titled my paintings based on songs from my favorite bands. “A New Season” is a great song from one of the most underrated bands, The Church, from Australia (off their album “Starfish”).
"Across The Universe" c. 2014
"Across The Universe"
May 2014
An obvious mention by the title of the famous (and my favorite) Beatles song. At anytime of the year I like driving through the countryside and winding roads, I am very grateful we have an abundance of here in Western CT. I remember growing up in a more crowded suburban New Jersey that, even as a child, I would ask my parents to drive me around to find roads like these. Now, every route I take to work is one of these magnificent paths. I find much serenity in these driving moments.
I came across this stretch of fence in Bridgewater, CT and it always caught my eye. I have photographed it many times and I always wanted to honor it because of the beauty of its simplicity. The Title’s song was playing the moment I took this exact picture that I used for reference. It reminded me of the connection of the two worlds I’ve lived in ~ my past in NJ and my present life in CT.
“Nothin’s gonna change my world…”
May 2014
An obvious mention by the title of the famous (and my favorite) Beatles song. At anytime of the year I like driving through the countryside and winding roads, I am very grateful we have an abundance of here in Western CT. I remember growing up in a more crowded suburban New Jersey that, even as a child, I would ask my parents to drive me around to find roads like these. Now, every route I take to work is one of these magnificent paths. I find much serenity in these driving moments.
I came across this stretch of fence in Bridgewater, CT and it always caught my eye. I have photographed it many times and I always wanted to honor it because of the beauty of its simplicity. The Title’s song was playing the moment I took this exact picture that I used for reference. It reminded me of the connection of the two worlds I’ve lived in ~ my past in NJ and my present life in CT.
“Nothin’s gonna change my world…”
"Creating Reality (Past, Present and Future)" c. 2014
"Creating Reality (Past, Present and Future)"
September 2014
The image of these spheres connected with tubes came to me while doing a Reiki session on a client in 2011. That image has been stuck in my head since then.
The spheres represent events in my life, from the past and present and the possibilities and potential events of the future. The tubes are the pathways in which I traveled from one event to another. The message that I am trying to make is that through meditation, I was able to transverse time and view these events and see how its all connected, thus creating reality. During this time I was introduced to the Law of Attraction and began to utilize what I could understand. The largest foundations for the Law of Attraction were observation and focus. I have the opportunity to create whatever reality I want, by focusing only on what I want. But in order to be successful, I also must cultivate a state of mindfulness and honesty within myself and learn to simplify.
September 2014
The image of these spheres connected with tubes came to me while doing a Reiki session on a client in 2011. That image has been stuck in my head since then.
The spheres represent events in my life, from the past and present and the possibilities and potential events of the future. The tubes are the pathways in which I traveled from one event to another. The message that I am trying to make is that through meditation, I was able to transverse time and view these events and see how its all connected, thus creating reality. During this time I was introduced to the Law of Attraction and began to utilize what I could understand. The largest foundations for the Law of Attraction were observation and focus. I have the opportunity to create whatever reality I want, by focusing only on what I want. But in order to be successful, I also must cultivate a state of mindfulness and honesty within myself and learn to simplify.
"Burtonesque" c. 2014
"Burtonesque"
October 2014
This is an homage piece to the great director, Tim Burton. I was first introduced to his work with “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure,” followed by “Beetlejuice” and “Batman.”
I always noticed the spiral shapes multiplied throughout the backgrounds of Burton’s scenes. The spiral has always been a heavy and hypnotizingly wonderful image to me. I find that continually drawing them over the years almost puts me in a trance-like state where I can tap into my subconscious. Tapping into that subconscious has given me the necessary fuel I need to continue.
The black and white color scheme is also a common motif in his work, especially “Beetlejuice” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” To me it also represents the yin and yang dichotomy. The red rickety frame around the spiral is a reflection of the German Expressionism that has influenced his work (and mine to some degree, at least at MICA). It also is a throw back to the style of the door frames that were very common in the row houses I lived at in Baltimore.
October 2014
This is an homage piece to the great director, Tim Burton. I was first introduced to his work with “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure,” followed by “Beetlejuice” and “Batman.”
I always noticed the spiral shapes multiplied throughout the backgrounds of Burton’s scenes. The spiral has always been a heavy and hypnotizingly wonderful image to me. I find that continually drawing them over the years almost puts me in a trance-like state where I can tap into my subconscious. Tapping into that subconscious has given me the necessary fuel I need to continue.
The black and white color scheme is also a common motif in his work, especially “Beetlejuice” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” To me it also represents the yin and yang dichotomy. The red rickety frame around the spiral is a reflection of the German Expressionism that has influenced his work (and mine to some degree, at least at MICA). It also is a throw back to the style of the door frames that were very common in the row houses I lived at in Baltimore.
"Tell Me About The Forest (You Once Called Home)" c. 2014
“Tell Me About The Forest (You Once Called Home)”
November 2014
In September 2014, I began a ritual, 3 – 4 days a week, where I would walk in a circular path at a local park. This helped to clear my mind, problem solve and become inspired. The painting in the window is based on that area, and is an homage to my “home away from home.”
I listened to a lot of the band “Dead Can Dance” during these walks and the title is from one of their songs from the album “Into The Labyrinth.” Brendan Perry, singer of the band said of this tune, “When you live in Ireland you see the people who have been away for years returning to their parents, and you also see those they leave behind…the breaking down of tradition along with the uprooting and upheaval of tribes. In Ireland, and in the rain forests. If we could only keep the oral traditions going, and leave the clerical bull behind…”
In order to emphasize how important and part of my home this park is to me, I called upon some Surrealist influence by putting what should be outside, inside the home. In order to make this contrast more pronounced, I believed the best way to do this was to use a photo of one of my windows (reality) frame the painting.
This was also the first time I utilized the computer and photoshop as a tool toward the final piece. Therefore this isn’t just a watercolor painting, but a digital collage.
November 2014
In September 2014, I began a ritual, 3 – 4 days a week, where I would walk in a circular path at a local park. This helped to clear my mind, problem solve and become inspired. The painting in the window is based on that area, and is an homage to my “home away from home.”
I listened to a lot of the band “Dead Can Dance” during these walks and the title is from one of their songs from the album “Into The Labyrinth.” Brendan Perry, singer of the band said of this tune, “When you live in Ireland you see the people who have been away for years returning to their parents, and you also see those they leave behind…the breaking down of tradition along with the uprooting and upheaval of tribes. In Ireland, and in the rain forests. If we could only keep the oral traditions going, and leave the clerical bull behind…”
In order to emphasize how important and part of my home this park is to me, I called upon some Surrealist influence by putting what should be outside, inside the home. In order to make this contrast more pronounced, I believed the best way to do this was to use a photo of one of my windows (reality) frame the painting.
This was also the first time I utilized the computer and photoshop as a tool toward the final piece. Therefore this isn’t just a watercolor painting, but a digital collage.
"Transitioning" (Version 1)
c. 2014
"Transitioning" (Version 2)
c. 2014
“Transitioning”
October 14, 2014 ~ November 18, 2014
This is the first intentional piece for the “Serenity Now” series. My goal is to simplify a photograph into its basic shape and colors, using the image for compositional purposes mostly, as opposed to trying to do a replica of the photo. This began as a single piece, a homage to Autumn, but then I realized that it might be more effective as a two-piece, with the Left sided - painting being Autumn and the right Being winter.
The original piece was supposed to have a tree “transitioning” in color from green on the inside to orange / red on the outside. I finished that one but was very unsatisfied at how ugly it was, so I started over.
During one of my morning walks, I realized the piece should expand to encompass the Winter > Spring/Summer and Spring/Summer > Autumn cycles, too. There will be six pieces altogether. It feels more complete that way – a full cycle. Had I not made the mistake of the first painting, and started over, I would not have been able to come up with this better idea; a transition in and of itself.
The title and idea comes from this feeling of transitioning that I am experiencing in my own life and career. During the process of observing the trees change color and being in awe of that beauty, I realized that the leaves are dying and we are acknowledging the beauty in death. By adding the extra four pieces, this painting became more of a cycle than just a transition into death and thus became more fulfilling. By seeing it as a cycle, I saw the layout change from something linear to something circular. I haven't decided which one I like more.
October 14, 2014 ~ November 18, 2014
This is the first intentional piece for the “Serenity Now” series. My goal is to simplify a photograph into its basic shape and colors, using the image for compositional purposes mostly, as opposed to trying to do a replica of the photo. This began as a single piece, a homage to Autumn, but then I realized that it might be more effective as a two-piece, with the Left sided - painting being Autumn and the right Being winter.
The original piece was supposed to have a tree “transitioning” in color from green on the inside to orange / red on the outside. I finished that one but was very unsatisfied at how ugly it was, so I started over.
During one of my morning walks, I realized the piece should expand to encompass the Winter > Spring/Summer and Spring/Summer > Autumn cycles, too. There will be six pieces altogether. It feels more complete that way – a full cycle. Had I not made the mistake of the first painting, and started over, I would not have been able to come up with this better idea; a transition in and of itself.
The title and idea comes from this feeling of transitioning that I am experiencing in my own life and career. During the process of observing the trees change color and being in awe of that beauty, I realized that the leaves are dying and we are acknowledging the beauty in death. By adding the extra four pieces, this painting became more of a cycle than just a transition into death and thus became more fulfilling. By seeing it as a cycle, I saw the layout change from something linear to something circular. I haven't decided which one I like more.
"Early Winter" C. 2014
“Early Winter”
December 3, 2014
It first snowed this year in this part of CT in early November 2014. I was still on my autumn kick when the snowed appeared, so I was not too thrilled. But, as I was getting out of my car that morning of the first snow, I looked down and saw this very cool image. I really was captured by the stark contrast of the freshly fallen deep crimson leaves next to crisp, white snow. That image was stuck in my head all month, I knew it had to be the first painting I did representing winter.
I donated this piece in a raffle at a vendor fair / Holiday Party at "Train With Smith" on Dec. 5, 2014, with proceeds going to charity. The original now belongs to someone unknown. If you were the one who purchased this, thank you very much!
December 3, 2014
It first snowed this year in this part of CT in early November 2014. I was still on my autumn kick when the snowed appeared, so I was not too thrilled. But, as I was getting out of my car that morning of the first snow, I looked down and saw this very cool image. I really was captured by the stark contrast of the freshly fallen deep crimson leaves next to crisp, white snow. That image was stuck in my head all month, I knew it had to be the first painting I did representing winter.
I donated this piece in a raffle at a vendor fair / Holiday Party at "Train With Smith" on Dec. 5, 2014, with proceeds going to charity. The original now belongs to someone unknown. If you were the one who purchased this, thank you very much!
TIMELINE
2013
February:
- Began painting again as a form of therapeutic escape from the stress of handling a failing business.
- Created "The Autumnist" - first painting in the Serenity Now Series and the first original painting of mine to sell in over a decade.
March:
- Created "Just A Phase" for the "Melt" show at the Mercurial Gallery.
October:
- Created "Breathing Space" - a painting to respect and immortalize the place I sometimes go to meditate.
December:
- Created "A New Season, 1 & 2" - in honor of my twins.
- Began painting again as a form of therapeutic escape from the stress of handling a failing business.
- Created "The Autumnist" - first painting in the Serenity Now Series and the first original painting of mine to sell in over a decade.
March:
- Created "Just A Phase" for the "Melt" show at the Mercurial Gallery.
October:
- Created "Breathing Space" - a painting to respect and immortalize the place I sometimes go to meditate.
December:
- Created "A New Season, 1 & 2" - in honor of my twins.
2014
February:
- Closed and dissolved Take Time and began working at Escape, allowing me to have more time to devote to my art, my family and myself.
May:
- Created "Across The Universe" - my first painting done since the close of Take Time, where I really had the time to enjoy painting again.
September:
- Created "Creating Reality" - the first "panelization" piece (an inspiration from my early love of comic books). One of the most important works since it kickstarted a better concentration on my painting. The panelization idea came from the limitations of my scanner size. I thought that a great way to make bigger pieces was to start with creating smaller "panel" paintings, scan them, and then tile them together in Photoshop.
- Began research on website design and hosting.
October:
- Created "Burtonesque" - an homage to director, Tim Burton.
November:
- Created "Transitioning" - second "panelization" painting dealing with the cycle of seasons and its connections to my milestones.
- Created "Tell Me About The Forest (You Once Called Home)" - first photo / watercolor "mash-up," a reflection on the importance of my daily walking meditations.
- Started the website.
December:
- Created "Early Winter" - specifically done for a charity auction held at Train With Smith's annual Holiday Party.
- Preview exhibition and sale of prints of Serenity, Volume One at Train With Smith's annual Holiday Party.
- Closed and dissolved Take Time and began working at Escape, allowing me to have more time to devote to my art, my family and myself.
May:
- Created "Across The Universe" - my first painting done since the close of Take Time, where I really had the time to enjoy painting again.
September:
- Created "Creating Reality" - the first "panelization" piece (an inspiration from my early love of comic books). One of the most important works since it kickstarted a better concentration on my painting. The panelization idea came from the limitations of my scanner size. I thought that a great way to make bigger pieces was to start with creating smaller "panel" paintings, scan them, and then tile them together in Photoshop.
- Began research on website design and hosting.
October:
- Created "Burtonesque" - an homage to director, Tim Burton.
November:
- Created "Transitioning" - second "panelization" painting dealing with the cycle of seasons and its connections to my milestones.
- Created "Tell Me About The Forest (You Once Called Home)" - first photo / watercolor "mash-up," a reflection on the importance of my daily walking meditations.
- Started the website.
December:
- Created "Early Winter" - specifically done for a charity auction held at Train With Smith's annual Holiday Party.
- Preview exhibition and sale of prints of Serenity, Volume One at Train With Smith's annual Holiday Party.
