Origin Story: The Shadow Self Series

It was a ton of laughs, and yet the most artful experience ever!

Little did I know then that this would be the beginning of the shadow self series. The whole series is still in progress.

 

I anticipate it will probably last many years from now.

I get to know these models, and participate in an extremely one of a kind experience with them.

Most of the models work with me to capture a series of videos from which 1 select image is ultimately chosen.

Then we move on to selecting a frame that possesses some (or most) of the elements I'm looking for in a piece; powerful eyes, a hidden story and grit.

The whimsical feel of a few of the pieces evolved after being absorbed by the painting for some time.

For example the Pearl series influenced the Shadow Self series. After reflecting on quite a few of the paintings in a single room, I found myself adding pearly bubbles to Aviator and Limon. I placed the bubbles with masking tape first to see if I really should commit.

This is the process of my art. Looking at a human and being inspired by them.

Partnering with the model to capture a feeling and selecting a single image worthy of transferring to canvas. It's a big decision; moving from digital to analog.

Then I allow the pieces to evolve on their own timeline and influence each other in ways that I could never have imagined.