'backbreaker'

'backbreaker' 19.375 x 73.375", acrylic, tape on wood box, 05.05.13

'backbreaker' 19.375 x 73.375", acrylic, tape on wood box, 05.05.13

 
 

'backbreaker'

Where to start?  Though dated on the back as 05.05.12 it was really finished on 05.05.13.  I know because as I was working on it, my new born daughter was placing extra burdens on my back.  Lifting, changing, washing, carrying my little bundle of love.  The other burden on the old spine was the height of the box which required me to use low saw horses and a poor seating postion to work on it.   C'est la vie!

The box was a wooden box that a print was stored in that was a work anniversary gift from my good friend's employers.   -a couple of my friends always keep their eye out for wood I may want to use.

The base of the arm trunk has the greatest painter of the early 20th century's initials, PRP.   Monsieur Picasso.  From there on up are references to other great artist's (certainly not all of them though) that have influenced my work:  William Burroughs, Frank Stella, Chris Burden, Dali, Dinos & Jake Chapman, Robert Indiana, Robert Rauschenberg, Roy Litchenstein, Andy Warhol, and Jasper Johns.   There are some weak criticisms at the base as well that have always been weak.  3 'elementals' were thrown in for good measure.

My arm & hand, lips & teeth, and initials are in the painting along with some opinions of mine.

And beautiful COLOR.

The swastika?  It is part of the Chapman's brothers reference; a nice centering element (black like the base and top arrows); and as far as representing my political affiliation:  I'm as fascist as religious believers are correct in their comprehension of the material universe.

(-and they are not correct)

Also, I have always been a supporter (but not a believer) of (the late) manwoman's attempt to reclaim the original spiritual basis of the swastika.  

My favourite origin story of the S. is that it was the footprint left in the sand by Buddha.

‘DON’T TALK, DO’

‘DON’T TALK, DO’ 48.8125 X 24.75”, wood stain on wood, cut wood, pencil, 1989, summer.This goes way back when I shared a studio space with Susan Poole. Susan, was an artist also starting out then, who I met through Peter and Wendy (Artworks) and Ad…

‘DON’T TALK, DO’ 48.8125 X 24.75”, wood stain on wood, cut wood, pencil, 1989, summer.

This goes way back when I shared a studio space with Susan Poole. Susan, was an artist also starting out then, who I met through Peter and Wendy (Artworks) and Adriano (Zenarni’s).

I was cutting out pieces of wood and using wood stain, not paint; and then nailing the wood on top of other wood. This is the only one I kept.

Man, the nails all stick out the back, what a fucking pain this thing is, I still love it.

This was my mantra then; and now.