the new stuff

i had originally intended this exhibit to be a collection, not only of my previous artwork, but of new work, relating to my adventures on the road, and experiences in columbia, mo, as well. unfortunately, i found this to be very difficult as my brain was, and still is, incapable of processing all of the information of "living on the road," having "just gotten off the road." i have since come to the conclusion, that i need to finish telling the story, that is, writing about my experiences on the road, via this website, before i begin making physical artwork about it.

having said that, i did manage to squeeze out 4 new pieces for this show, and i started a handful of others that will eventually see the light of day.

"tigertown"

my tribute to columbia, mo, "my home away from home," and also home of the univ. of missouri tigers. thus, explaining the title of this piece. this multi-layered, mixed-media painting, is based on one of my many photos of the TIGER building, the most visible and recognizable building in downtown columbia. its bold neon letters, spelling TIGER, can be seen blocks away both day and night.

this is the first painting i started upon arriving in columbia in mid-march, and also the last one to be finished. and to be honest, i kind of hate it. i see it as little more than a decorative piece; my version of "hotel art," if you will. and to be just that, a pretty picture, it sure was a bitch to make. and the frame was no easier. i unfortunately, and often painfully, custom-make all of my frames. though, this one does look quite snazzy in person. my hope is this piece will find its way (aka be sold) into a local home or business here in columbia,mo.

"a boy named james"

i view this as my first official roadtrip-based work of art. a loose self-portrait, based on a sketch i did while "on the road." i was originally thinking of kelly, who i met in st. louis (remember?), when i was drawing it. i seem to associate the phrase, PUNK AS FUCK, with him a lot, explaining why those words are written across this character's chest. but as the sketch developed, i realized i was drawing someone who resembled myself, more so than kelly. by adding my patented corduroy winter hobo coat to the scrawny bearded boy, pictured above, i only further turned, what was at first, the thought of kelly, into a portrait of a road-weary, punk as fuck, james. that's me!

"munich"

based on one of my favorite sketches from years past. people seem most intrigued by the title of this piece. i had asked cindy to suggest a title, after i struggled to come up with one myself. she looked at it, and without hesitation, offered, "munich", to which i immediately agreed. it, just fit.

looking at "fingerprints on the bathroom wall" through a mirror

another old piece i finally wrapped up. from my ongoing series, THE GOOD LIFE, based on a life-changing dream i had a few years back about a serial killer, with good intent. this series is, in many ways, my life, and my life's work. in addition to the ongoing visual art, THE GOOD LIFE series, is also being developed into a screenplay, or novel. coming soon!

in regards to this piece - the subject is, technically, me, aged 2-3 years prior, standing in front of a bathroom mirror with red fingerprints, suggesting either paint or blood, on the walls in the background. i set the painting in a frame of bathroom tiles, to further integrate the image and its environment.