fineart > willbelifeafterdeath

In the past couple of years I have focused my work specifically on a deeper yet sometimes superficial, exploration of family and friends; constantly dissecting specific moments in time. Over the past year I have had to endure a lot of self examination, as well as confrontations with the bold truth of the state of the world and what may become of it. I feel, "There Will Be Life After Death" was a product of my own need to get away from the world, literally through art; only to be drawn back into the reality of my own subconscious thoughts and fears.

I decided instead of using a photograph as a starter point for my paintings, (which I normally do) I would just simply PAINT. When I stood in front of the canvas, as crazy as it may be for some people, specific images started to appear; images that just would not go away. The basic compositions of, 'Apparitions I & II', were literally traced from a 'vision' or picture that I saw directly on the canvas. 

Working with my wall hangings is quite a different experience, seeing 'visions' is not a part of the process, but there is the challenge of piecing a puzzle together using; forgotten materials and bits and pieces of my own suede/beaded jewelry. These discarded objects seem to come alive once again, following my theme of life after death.

After going through old paintings and drawings I came across two drawings in particular that really hit home with my theme. I created these images years ago; at that moment of discovery I realized that ideas of death and rebirth have always been a constant means of inspiration for my work. 

These pieces reflect the start of a long process; painting to uncover the truths of my own concealed thoughts, as well as an exploration of different materials to expand those ideas. I will continue to confront my intuitive side in additional works, but will always be drawn back to these initial pieces which marked the beginning of my journey.