I went down to my basement – saw an old stack of albums. Was drawn to the garish pink and green of the Sex Pistols “Never Mind The Bollocks” album cover. Thought it would make a great background for a still life. I began assembling some of my favorite musicians’ covers – James Brown, Bob Marley, Morrissey, The White Stripes, U2, Elvis Costello – tried to find musicians I liked, but was more focused on finding compelling images. Many of my paintings include images within images. I like how the still life can appear as a simple still life or as something more fantastical with the objects taking on a life of their own. Elvis Costello staring out from behind the camera on the “Last Year’s Model” cover pulled me in. Had an almost Hannibal Lecter/Darth Vader quality – the camera he’s hiding behind almost feels like a mask. Used this intense stare as the focal point. Notice the shadow lines from an outside window lead your eye directly to Elvis.
The little blue monsters – I’m in love with them. Found them at the Philly Art Museum gift shop. They’re Russian Nesting Dolls. Liked the shape and the faces – bought them knowing I would use them in a still life. Like the repetitive, simple shape. And, the blue is a nice counterbalance to the stark pinks and oranges. Why tangerines? Why a pomegranate? I don’t know – I followed an impulse. Fruits are fun to paint. And, I needed a strong pink counterbalance.
A happy coincidence led to the name “Nevermind.” The Nirvana cover (bottom left) is also called “Nevermind.” The word “Nevermind” appears three times in this painting – Nirvana cover, Sex Pistols cover, and the reflection on the Bob Marley cover. I wish I could say this was planned – I always find the best surprises in the details.
