UniverSAL Truths
Painting Series from 2014- Present
The UNIVERSAL TRUTHS Series 2014-2015 / 2017-Present
Universal Truths apply to all people regardless of race, religion, sexuality, or any other social labels. A Universal Truth is an inherent law that encompasses the way we feel and experience emotion and decision making.
While I have drawn from my own personal experiences for this series, I believe that all people can relate in some way, shape or form to these experiences. The Character with the hat is always represented to identify the painting as a Universal Truth. The Universal Truth character which began early in my painting career, is seen wearing a hat and either making a face such as winking, smiling, or a complete grey face. The grey background is used in message specific paintings as a metaphorical reference for non-gender, racial, or religious bias. The “Universal Truths” character is also often seen making geometrical facial expressions of sorts.
I began to paint them inspired heavily by the freedom in which Jean- Michel Basquiat would express himself and convey messages so strongly without using realism. I would later go on creating the “Phantom Faces” series to pay homage to Basquiat as well with my version of a three point crown. Art as in Music, is the great connector. I believe art has the power to bring so much good to society and mankind, but I believe it to be the most impactful when connecting with everyone. That is the main source of inspiration behind the series.
Look Closer / 48 x 2 x 60 / Mix Media
All Smiles / 48 x 2 x 60 / Acrylic & Spray Paint
Multiplicity / 48 x 78 / Spray Paint
“Watching the world burn on a sunny day” / 72 x 48 / Mixed Media / 2020
We can all relate to what seems to be an onslaught of craziness we watch daily through our phones. The phone has become the primary vessel in which we consume most of our information. Sometimes if feels like the world is on fire, both literally and figuratively. I believe this to be a documentary piece on our current times as a civilization.
2020 UniverSAL Truths / SOLD
UniverSAL 2020 / SOLD
“The Ego of Social Darwinism” / 56 x 48 / Acrylic / 2014 / SOLD
This painting represents something we all can relate to; we are built to inheritably look out for ourselves. Social Darwinism is instinct for survival, or natural selection (Represented by the man sitting on his own Island). In modern day society, we are so focused on building our own “personal safety net for tomorrow” (represented by the umbrella) which is not guaranteed for anyone ( represented by the empty bar stool.) We build this safety net with things like material possessions and savings, mostly derived from the intention of greed and the fear of not having “enough”. All the while, the world around us is suffering from various basic obstacles such as clean water, starvation and shelter. These obstacles that are not common in the “First World” setting. We have essentials considered luxuries in other countries. “Universal Truths” have no prejudice, it is not confined to one certain type of belief system, sexuality, or race. The Ego of Social Darwinism is a Universal Truth. We all must tackle the breaking point of what we are willing to give to others versus the ego or perception of what we need for security. I seek out to find these “Universal Truths in my work as I believe it can speak to all of humanity.
“A False sense of security” / 22 x 30 / Acrylic / 2015
This painting is symbolic of how living under a safety net (the umbrella) of financial security can really be a gloomy existence. The idea of never having a bill or care in the world or not having to support oneself, which is very prevalent in modern day society i.e. winning the lottery. Seems nice right? But there is no “True” reward in that. Really the people outside of the umbrella (Safety Net), are the people who are finding real happiness when the world rains down the golds they so desire. But they must first take the risk to step outside the umbrella, because nothing good ever does come easy, and you never know what you're made of until your back is up against the wall.
“Foxcatcher” / 28 x 28 / Acrylic / 2015
The Clear Blue skies, we craft for perception
Versus the burning desires, of our real intentions
Meanwhile our form, struggling which to mention.
The painting represents the struggle that is universal, in that you have to decide who to divulge your “true self” to, due to fear of the criticism or disdain. I find this especially true when revealing or sharing something so closely associated with your soul or existence. Everyone has to fight between the person they truly are, and a persona or “politically correct” version of themselves that they sometimes have to appear to be.
I choose the fox and the title “foxcatcher” because the fox is a very elusive creature. The only way to catch a fox is for it to catch itself. The colors are to symbolize; the red and blue combining to make purple. The figure demonstrating many different shades of purple, to show the different times or occasions when one “side” was shown more than another. Also in this piece there is great detail in the border, and when you look closer you can see the fine detail and combination of color.This is symbolic of the closer you look, the more in depth you can see an individual. The deeper you look the more you learn about someone and the wide array of experience, emotions, and sociological behavior that go into the development of a person.