Back at it..
On this Saturday evening, I find myself deeply engaged in the creative process at my studio, working on a new batch of my Guerrilla Block Series. The production process is multifaceted, involving digital design, printing, wheat pasting collage, intricate detailing, and ultimately varnishing.
For those interested in the origins of this series, I began the Guerrilla series in the Summer of 2021. In the aftermath of the pandemic and amidst significant life changes—resuming full-time work in the corporate sector, embracing parenthood, and entering into marriage—I experienced a period of creative stagnation. This phase, marked by an aversion to the studio environment, gradually gave way as my creative instincts prevailed. I began experimenting with digital collage—a natural extension of my work as a graphic designer—which eventually evolved into the Guerrilla Block series which ultimately rekindled my passion for painting and diving back into the studio on a more regular basis.
In the summer of 2022, I had the opportunity to exhibit my Guerrilla Series at Revelry Gallery in Louisville, KY—my first solo exhibition since 2019. Currently, I am awaiting the drying of the wheat paste before proceeding with the final touches: painting the sides black, applying varnish, numbering for inventory, signing, and attaching hanging hardware. To date, I have produced over 100 blocks and eagerly anticipate sharing both the completed works that will be sold exclusively through Revelry Gallery.
While the series has explored a diverse range of subject matter over time, recent works have focused on pop culture, iconic imagery, and my continued exploration of masculine identity. This latest batch represents one of the most cohesive and engaging explorations of these themes to date. I had a blast making them and I can’t wait to share them with you. Be sure to check out Revelry’s website and more importantly in person as they they have a lot more inventory of my series then they currently show on their online store.
A sneak peak of a new batch of Guerrilla Blocks I’ve been working hard on. This picture shows them waiting to dry after being wheatpasted on re-purposed wood blocks. Several steps to follow until they are ready for sale…
Some nights, difficult decisions must be made, such as painting over older works that have been tucked away in storage.
As my artistic style constantly evolves, there are times when past pieces simply no longer resonate. While I'm sure this doesn't apply to every painting in storage, the lingering thought lingers: if a work hasn't sold after all these years, maybe it simply wasn't strong enough to find a home. Or perhaps it simply never received the exposure it truly deserved—I guess I'll never know for sure. But as for this particular piece, it’s time to say goodbye. It’s a farewell, a quiet funeral for the artwork. Farewell, and thank you for the journey. But for now, it's time for a clean slate—a fresh canvas waiting to be shaped by new inspiration.
The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls ~ Picasso
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The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls ~ Picasso +
Random sneak peaks of things to come…
Over the years, many have expressed interest in visiting my studio. I currently work out of my home's basement—a modest space that, while not glamorous, serves its purpose admirably. I am mindful that some artists work in far more restricted conditions, and for that reason, I remain grateful for my setup.
The creative process often embraces a degree of chaos. Although I maintain a meticulously organized environment in the rest of my home, my studio tells a different story. Perhaps it is the limited space or simply the nature of my creative workflow that encourages a more spontaneous arrangement, allowing me to seamlessly resume my work after a break.
While my designated studio area is confined by its square footage, it remains an essential and functional workspace. I look forward to a future where I can upgrade to a larger, more organized environment with higher ceilings, abundant natural light, ample storage, and the leisure to maintain order. Until that time, I proudly call this space my home studio—a true and convenient sanctuary for my creativity, but a place that is increasingly looking like a hoarders home… of art.
My current home studio view—what a creative mess, but hey it’s my mess!
Create
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Create +
A shout out to some favorite artists I discovered on instagram that keep me inspired and keep going; monica kimgarza, danny fox, actor walton goggins, alessandro florio, and carl freeman gallery