John Studies, O/C, 18 X 18", 2015

 Lying seems to be a permanent part of the  human condition.  These John studies were painted from the model.  Often the theme for a series of works comes from the conversations I have with my models.  This was the case with John.   Painted over a series of weeks, they are about pollution, both actual air pollution and the pollution of the psyche.  For example, misinformation  consistently pervades and pollutes our media.  Rationalizations used long enough and continuous enough often transform into reasons.  Lies then, often form the basis for policy and action. My paintings themselves illusions in the end, are "lies" that tell a story, and if done skillfully enough, both in form and content, their narrative can seem true. However, these truths operate more as catalysts toward thought and doubt, that in the end, can manifest into a new awareness and imaginative actions.