I started drawing in high
school.
I drew endless pictures of Michael Jackson for my bedroom walls. Before
you judge me…remember, this was when “Thriller” was popular. I haven’t drawn
Michael in years.
Now, my medium is oil paints. I apply them to
wood panels because I like how it
feels as paint moves on that surface. People have tried to get me to switch
to canvas. Not going to happen, don't like it.
My process involves moving paint around on a gessoed board. Typically, I
don't plan anything out in advance or do thumbnail sketches. In the blotches
of color applied, I may see an eye or a mouth's shape that I will work
to pull out of the abstract and begin defining. The painting is a reaction to
what I am seeing in front of me.
I use a meat thermometer to tell when the painting is
finished.
I
want my paintings to make you laugh.
I
want my paintings to make you feel guilty for laughing.
I
want my paintings to stay with you when you leave.
I
want my paintings to make you giggle in church when you recall one.
I
want you to see the face of your neighbor in my work.
I
want you to see reflections of yourself in my work…
because
I see myself in each piece and it makes me smile.
I believe that I am the funniest person I know.