Surfacing

Acrylic polymer emulsion on gessoed hardboard, 12 x 12"Created March 7 - 14, 2008, #144.

The image was taken from a corner in my tiny studio, where I also have two large bookcases. This image just kind of happen by itself. I often drink water in this glass mug and decided to continue my art book series on this piece. POP ART by Tilman Osterwold was published by Taschen as part of a 17 book series for the company's 25th anniversary. The cover image is M-Maybe (A Girl's Picture), 1965 by Roy Lichtenstein. While playing with camera angles, I was able to capture a view of her left eye surfacing on top of the water. Another point of interest was how the books and photo albums behind were all lined up in a reverse order underneath the surface of the water. I usually try to read a little while having breakfast. My wife Suzanne on the other hand is an avid reader. On this self are books from Danielle Steel to Jane Austen, from John Grisham to Arthur Miller, from Ernest Hemingway to Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I had a lot of fun with this piece

-SOLD

Keeping up with the Joneses

Acrylic polymer emulsion on gessoed hardboard, 12 x 12"

Created February 25 - March 5, 2008, #143

The title is based on a popular catchphrase that refers to the desire to be seen as being as good as one's neighbours or contemporaries using the comparative of social standards or accumulation of material stuff. The origin of the phrase is rooted in the once popular comic strip of the same name created by cartoonist Arthur R. "Pop" Momand. The strip debuted in 1913, ran in American newspapers for 28 years, and eventually was adapted into books, films and musical comedies.

In this still life reincarnation, I'm taking elements used in previous paintings and created a new composition. On the right of three of the bottles is a reflection of our fence that has lattice on top. I could have named it, Good fences make good neighbours from the Robert Frost poem, Mending Wall. I'll probably use that title in a future painting.

I first came across Jones Soda Pop in a Starbucks coffee shop during the late 1990's. The beverage came to market in 1994 and originates from western Canada. The images on the labels are submitted by the public, and if your lucky enough, you might end up on a bottle of Orange Cream Soda, Strawberry Lime, Blue Bubble Gum or Green Apple Soda. I'm a sucker for this type of products. It's like Pop Art meets pop culture.

-private collection

"Art and Critique"

The art critic, Elijah Shifrin is currently doing a series of critical essays of my artwork on his website, Art and Critique. The first of three installments was posted today. This LINK will direct you to his website, where is has also reviewed the artwork of several other artists for us to discover. You can also check out his past critiques on his initial blog before adopting a website format on this LINK.

Thanks to Todd Ford for nominating me, and to all those who took the time to vote for me on the public poll giving me this privilege.