In The Studio

Lunch patterns

Most mornings I take the subway into San Francisco. It’s packed with people staring down into their pocket computers. Getting off in the financial district, commuters stream by anonymously. Everyone is on their way–somewhere.

These drawings start off as sketches made of the brick pattern in a public square on my lunch break. They are meditations on form, yes, created by unknown craftspeople. Deceptively simple, yet more complex once upon examination.

The process of drawing is a search for connection, in a place that seems so strictly functional, even cruel at times. In the square corner spot are the sick junkies panhandling for their first day's fix, as workers in stiff flannel suits with $20 lunches in their hands stride by quickly. Diseased pigeons hobble around between all the shiny leather-clad feet, pecking for crumbs, as faceless sleek electric vehicles slide by noiselessly.

In my drawings, I let the patterns break down. They are not made by perfect machines, rather another failable human. As the lines and pattern bleed off the edge, they replicate out in their imperfections, ad infinitum.

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23 x 30 inches
Ink on paper

Brick Walls

You are walking parallel to a long brick wall. Up ahead you can see that this wall is coming to an end. Its not possible to imagine, much less see, what is around that corner. But soon you will face that unimaginable. Hold on, have faith.

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12 panels of 9x12" stretched canvas
Ink, acrylic, and spray paint

Holes.

I have been exploring this simple hole pattern for over 15 years. I stumbled on it in reaction to something another artist said. An off-hand comment, that has stuck and remained of interest to me.

These patterns reveal spaces that are both internal and external, depending on your perspective. One could either be getting in or out. They reveal interior worlds, or peer out in to the next one.

The patterns bounce, and fail, and reveal weaknesses. They delight with joy and silliness. Inspired by Keith Haring, no doubt. 

"Hand drawn patterns interest me as they break down and fail, unlike a machine made pattern. In those moments interesting spaces open up, and we learn something about ourselves."

Click on any thumbnail for a larger image.

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Square shapes 19.5 x 19.5 inches
Rectangular shapes 40 x 30 inches
Dyed paper, screen print, and spray paint

N.D.A.P.

Abstract meditations on the politics and landscape surrounding the North Dakota Access Pipeline protest. Some of these were donated to fundraisers to support the movement. 

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8 x 10 inches
Screen print and spray paint on board