I have always been drawn to the communicative and incredibly universal potential of image.  The exceedingly rich visual vocabulary developed over the history of painting, as well as the infinite control of image, render painting such a powerful means of conveyance.  With this as my language, I hope to reach out and spark a reaction. 

We live in a society so saturated by media that we are able to gather information on almost any happening we wish.  In doing so, we inevitably come across the evidence of the suffering of many peoples.  Most people are able to grasp this on an intellectual level.  But even as we recognize this undeniable aspect of human existence, we veer away from reminders.  We discard the articles and images of the less fortunate.  The sound bites are limited to twenty seconds or less.  

With my works I am trying to confront my audience with a respectful portrayal of the faces of the issues that we find so easy to forget, in such a way that demands a visceral emotional response.  I paint in an attempt to spark an internalization/understanding of a persistent reality that goes beyond the intellectual.  I paint as a way of honoring those who have had to bear the externalities and collateral damage of the human race.