"Cheers"

He was saving the bottle of wine for a special occasion. But it seemed that special occasion would never come. But on second thought, why isn't this occasion special? Why not toast to a life well lived, with the company of the moon and the stars, right here, right now, at the end of all things... It's as special an occasion as they come, so "cheers". And when our own health fails, our loved ones pass on, and all hope fades, don't wait any longer to open that bottle you were saving - because every moment of your life is a special occasion, special enough to savor.

Detail:

The Elusive Forest Whale

This piece was created for the "Post No Bills" art show last fall. There's a new show this year, I'll give you a notice as soon as they're ready. This was the first time I attempted a true 3D collage style. A pain in the butt to make, but it was a moderate success so you'll see at least one more attempt at this style soon.

Detail:

Stargazer, 2008

This was another important piece in my mind because it was the first time I painted the shadows on in this way to create a 3D-ish diorama sort of feel that I always tried to achieve through collage & photography before. I've since used this technique on most of my paintings and it's actually changed my way of thinking about the 2d space.

Before, I found that if I abstracted too far then the sense of form was lost. Which was sad, because I like abstracting. But I also like creating pictures with a believable dimension. This push & pull technique allows me to create non-realistic abstracted characters that can exist in a real space (albeit a 2.5D shadobox space). Still, take a look through my portfolio and you'll find that almost everything has some element of the shadows you see here.

Detail:

"Within Reach" - 2008

A little history. First, I went to school. In school, I painted. Then, when school was done, I did computer stuff (still do). Then, I wanted to paint again, so I did. This was the first painting from this generation of work that I was proud of. I still am.

Detail:

Smokin' Hot

Finished this one a while back, but I was never really satisfied with it. I spent another session on it and I think I like it enough now to give it a spot on my site.

And kids, don't smoke.

Detail:

La Fin Du Monde

Ladies and gentlefolk, I present you with my piece for the September 2010 "Post No Bills" illustration show, which takes place on Sept 12th at the Leslie Jones venue in Toronto.

Detail:

This is the first time I made a frame like this. A success methinks, you may see such frames on future pieces.