WITH LOVE, WITHOUT

(see key below)

This is the biggest painting I have ever done on canvas, at 24" x 96" it spans from shore to the drop off telling a story of destruction and healing. It shows how the closer the reef is to us, the more damage it receives as we enjoy the sand, the pools and heat from the sun, we share its resources and ultimately end up taking and using too much. However, there is healing in nature, just needs a break to catch it's breath.

As you reach the midpoint of the piece you see a peak that reaches near the top of the canvas to show how it is almost insurmountable, unattainable or unsafe beyond this point, but it is after this point, the highest and hardest to scale that the reef flourishes under deeper more nutrient rich water where it restores the coral life and becomes more vivid and vibrant, its where the real magic begins.

Center in white highlight, you will see my face in a "tortured" state, almost skeletal along with more "tired" faces, worn down, almost sad expressions. Hidden in the foreground are the words "WITHOUT" as per the title. This portion of the painting contains no sea life, the most vibrant colors are the golden sands and the bright teal water and the most important part, the reef has been stripped down to bone.

This portion of the painting contains ALL of the fun, from UV reflective anemones, to bright coral, hidden "happy" faces, camouflaged graffiti and the 2-Spot Octopus which is native to the Californian coast.

Far right, at the drop off, colorful vibrant self-portrait of myself vs. the skeletal version on the other side.

Look for the purple and green faces, they are actually the absence of space that makes the facial profile and creates the effect.

The words "WITH LOVE" are hidden in the foreground in green as per the title.

The letter "J" is hidden in the painting for a friend Julian, his grandmother was one of the first to see my ocean series and appreciate it, this is to remember that support for which this series would never have been born.

Loof for the "SMURKS" in the Elkhorn coral above my head.

Comments

Twin Pines Manor Gallery - Room 3

The Manor Gallery contains the bulk of the series and the many different stages over the last 4 years. Many things have happened to me over the course of the 4 years that have affected the art. My health is a big part of that as some of the pieces were painted left handed and with a knife as opposed to the brush I use to rely on because of nerve issues in my hands which would affect my grip. Some of these pieces were painted while I was resting in bed because I could not stop creating but was advised to rest and try to relax. Some of these pieces have more love put into them because of the feelings I had while painting them. Nonetheless, my grand finale, my swan song, my offering, the last room. Entrance wall left “Electric FEel” was one of the first large paintings I did in the series. It features UV paint and a variety of hidden faces including my face as a silhouette. “El Arrecife de Los Gigantes” or “Reef of the Giants” is a personal favorite of mine because ...

Twin Pines Parlor Gallery - Room 1

The paintings in this room are my chosen favorites or “power” pieces. They represent several key points of my career and are important for the development of future works. Here is an overview of this room. “Mangrooves” (above mantle) is one of my most popular pieces and despite the space on the canvas, the story behind the painting goes much further. You can find a link HERE To the right of the fireplace “Shiny” is one of the first paintings that I did with Maggie (my youngest), having watched ‘Moana’ more times than I ever thought I would, I decided to pay homage because after all my love for the ocean and Hawai’i runs deep. Behind the rock on the right you’ll see Tamatoa, a jewel loving giant crab with his eye on “The Heart of Tefiti”, the shiny green gem on the left. If you’re clever you’ll find my face and the rock peaks resemble my hair first thing in the morning. Hint: the green gem also looks like a booger under my nose. (Keep in mind it was inspired by ...

Twin Pines George Center Gallery - Room 2

The paintings in this room are all painted on repurposed materials. Whether it’s plywood, old frames, broken skateboards or bonded canvases, if I can paint on it I will. If I can keep it from reaching the ocean I’ll use it. There is a huge community who prides themselves on “upcycling” and I am proud to a part of it. Above the dresser (left wall past entrance) “Desolate” is a painting that shows more of a lifeless picture of what our ocean floors are becoming. There are still hidden faces, “SMURKS” is in there as well as the #52 but not much else. Next, the “Vaquitas” painting is one that I did for a friend in support of her mission to shed light on some species who are facing extinction, the Vaquita is dangerously approaching single digit numbers. To find out more information visit this link “Abandonado” or “abandoned” is a reference to the current state of what was once lush and abundant, most of the species that inhabited these areas have disappeared leaving b...

SMURKS1

Search This Blog