SMURKS1

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 ...

 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...

 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 ...