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.

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