me
In my late teens, I used to work the graveyard shift at Whataburger.
At my grandmother’s funeral, I read a great poem my wife wrote about the benefits of having Alzheimer’s; regretfully, I did not make copies for the audience to follow along.
We yearn to go back home to the desert southwest, but after watching a few episodes of The Twilight Zone…forget it.
Invite me out for just a couple of beers. Having a hangover with kids is unbearable – Can’t wait for them to fall asleep. Can’t wait for them to wake up.
Teaching is kind of like being a stand-up comedian.
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The pieces utter not taking things
for granted: the painting stretcher, the places they occupy, and the ability to pursue painting instead of volunteering at the local soup kitchen or Afghan military outpost. They depict a fortunate state of being where I am able to partake in what, self-admittedly at times, feels inane and not productive within the larger scheme of things.
Sometimes there is a level of guilt associated with my art making. I feel guilty for wanting to paint, to make paintings, for wanting others to experience them, to talk about them and in the end serve my own ego. Deep down inside though, I want these to move people, to create change, and somehow be an antidote for the ills of our society. I have little faith that merely looking at an artwork can evoke the power needed to urge someone to help. Perhaps, just making art in general indicates a level of freedom that may influence others to obtain or maintain such capabilities, but I want these works to directly move others into constructive action. The problem is how.
Instead of merely stating a political position, or lack thereof, allow me to position these paintings into a mode of positive change. Each piece is available for the taking in exchange for your promise to execute a good deed. Help somebody in some way. I will take your word as your bond and trade you an artwork in return. The level of effort taken is solely up to you and there is no one to hold you accountable. The painting you acquire will serve as your reminder.
EXCHANGE A GOOD DEED FOR A PAINTING
HOW???
>Promise to do something good. I’ll mail you a painting in exchange.
>There is no catch. There is no contract. The piece serves as your reminder.
>Hit the “Donate” button to get started.
>Pay $10 to cover shipping and handling within the United States. I will send you a painting from my current body of work.
