Started this painting with idea of doing a still life of artist figurines – finger puppets and Funko Pops. Then, thought about adding some images of artists. Morphed into using self portraits. Loved adding artists like Frank Frazetta and Boris Vallejo, ones that I idolized in my youth (and still do), to classic artists like da Vinci and mixing them in with modern artists like Matthew Barney – loved bringing all of those who’ve inspired me together – would love to be a fly on the wall at that “party.” Took liberties with the portraits – exaggerated color saturation and value contrast and changed elements of the portraits to serve the broader needs of the painting. When researching portraits, as I looked at Warhol images, was struck again (as I have been in the past) of his repeating grids – a few of his self portraits repeat the same image with varying colors in a grid. Struck me – in our current COVID-restricted environment, I’ve participated in a number of Zoom/Google meetings during the day. Staring at Brady Bunch Opening-like grids of people all day long, and saw the commonality with the Warhol paintings – his portraits seemed prophetic. Inspired by that for this painting. Also liked inserting figurines on top of a “flat” surface and creating a stark contrast – was a fun challenge getting the figurines to read as if they’re popping off the background. With this painting, I’m pushing the boundaries of what’s considered a “still life”, celebrating artists that I’ve been inspired by, and celebrating our current situation/virtual meeting culture.
Another “Taste Of Home” painting – this one is #28 in the series – “Dr. Brown’s Sodas.” This one’s a bit of a stretch to the series theme. Was introduced to Dr. Brown’s sodas at delis in New York City. But they now sell this brand at a number of local supermarkets. I’m partial to their Diet Black Cherry flavor. I included their Cel-Ray – a celery-flavored soda – no joke – because I just find the idea of a celery-flavored soda unique and cool. For the record, I want to love it, but it doesn’t taste all that great to me. My “Tastes Of Home” series features food brands local to Reading/Berks County, Pennsylvania Dutch Country, and the greater Philadelphia area. Hope you like.
Although it’s a bit of a stretch, considering this part of my “Tastes of Home” series. In 2022, was coming home from a New England business trip. Rein’s Deli In Hartford, CT is one of my go to’s. Picked up bagels, lox, black and white cookies, Dr. Brown’s sodas, and rugelach (small, flakey pastry). Coincidentally, that same week, my kids ordered pastrami and corned beef, rye bread, good deli mustard, pickles, chocolate babka, and matzoh ball soup from Katz’s Deli – had it delivered to our house. Had this great deli spread – begged to be painted. Loved playing with the repeating circle and crescent shapes and enjoyed balancing and creating movement with the colors.
Although it’s a bit of a stretch, considering this part of my “Tastes of Home” series. In 2022, was coming home from a New England business trip. Rein’s Deli In Hartford, CT is one of my go to’s. Picked up bagels, lox, black and white cookies, Dr. Brown’s sodas, and rugelach (small, flakey pastry). Coincidentally, that same week, my kids ordered pastrami and corned beef, rye bread, good deli mustard, pickles, chocolate babka, and matzoh ball soup from Katz’s Deli – had it delivered to our house. Had this great deli spread – begged to be painted. Loved playing with the repeating circle and crescent shapes and enjoyed balancing and creating movement with the colors.
“Serial Revisited” is a sister painting to ”Serial”, a painting of my son, Cole, and cereal objects painted a decade ago. When Cole was 8, we were watching TV. Something came on about a serial killer. Cole asked what that was. My stomach sank as I explained to him. Answering his confused look, “Did you think it had something to do with breakfast cereal?” “Yeah.” We had a good laugh. Knew there was a painting in there somewhere. On the surface, that original painting can be viewed as a nostalgic cereal piece. Deeper meaning – fleeting youth, lost innocence. I look at that older painting, when Cole was 8 – little did I know. I see the fine man he’s become, and decided to revisit the theme. This one’s more complex, intense, and reflective of our current state.
Ben’s Chili Bowl is a gotta do. Their half smoke, a cross between a hot dog and sausage covered with chili, has been a D.C. staple since the 60’s. On a trip to D.C. with the family a few years ago, we visited Ben’s on a day Ms. Virginia was there – Ms. Virginia was Ben’s wife and a founder of the restaurant. Was humbled and honored that she spent time at our table telling us the history of the restaurant and the area, including how Dr. King planned activities for the March On Washington while eating at the restaurant. “You make sure you get some of my banana pudding! My secret – I use Biscoff cookies instead of Nella Wafers.” Never had better. My kids still talk about their Ben’s Chili Bowl experience.
Created a few drawings for my sister and her family from photos they took on vacation while in Korea.
Created a few drawings for my sister and her family from photos they took on vacation while in Korea.
Created a few drawings for my sister and her family from photos they took on vacation while in Korea.
Created a few drawings for my sister and her family from photos they took on vacation while in Korea.
