Artist Statement

Queer Fantasia

This title captures the nature of my current work which focuses on themes of queer identity, female celebrity and in larger contexts marginalization, invisibility and social unease. All of these themes come together in a playful, loving and dynamic way. I am a gay man and take deep pride in my community not just as an artist but as an artist who seeks to increase the visibility of gay peoples and inform through art.

I find inspiration in cartoons, movies, internet memes, books and friends. Movies have had the largest impact on my life. I see myself reflected in the tales cast upon the big screen. Other times, my presence is invisible; I see only straight white people and feel alienated, lonely and seduced by profound need to represent myself through my art.

The scale of my work varies but I prefer to work on a larger scale. I do this so as to absorb the viewer in bright colors, rapid gestures and bizarre characters. My work is not with out tenderness; I frequently paint men embracing as well as cast off stuffed animals or ceramic figurines. I am drawn to things that don’t belong. The scale serves this function as well, embracing the viewer with feelings of remorse love or fear.

I do not see my work as political but I am fine if people feel that way about it. I am only bringing a voice to the voiceless that exists within a homogenized society.

Queer fantasia is a perfect way of how I seek to bring my own blend of bizarre and beautiful things into the world. To show just how lovely strange and unknown things can be.