Kick Ass Painting

Painting: Mixed media, oriental paper, acrylic paint on canvas “I could change the world I can make it better Kick it up and down Took a chance on me When you fake a smile And you think you're better Gonna put it down Whip it at your feet” (Mika “Kick Ass”) ORIGINAL PAINTING/MIXED MEDIA Aaahh – we humans – such a mix of emotions and reactions, sometimes all at the same time. Our bravado and self confidence work for us by allowing us to be many things to different people. Assertive, but kind, relaxed, but watchful, but ready to respond when needed and as needed. I am an illustrator of ideas. Using mixed media allows me to combine recognizable figures from all walks of life, iconographic or cartoon characters with other seemingly mundane objects or paper. Through this, I attempt to expose the dark reality behind the glossy facade. The images and media used often act as a representation of a consumer-driven dream world behind which lies layers of a more brutal reality. This work is inspired by the works of Joseph Cornell, Max Ernst and Nick Bantock. I look toward artists prepared to do the unexpected, to push the envelope or include images or concepts, sometimes totally unrelated, to arrive at a final work. As a result, there is always a sense of spontaneity and urgency when constructing my mixed media works. Following my first instincts gives me the best results. My goal always is to construct interesting and challenging images which draws the viewer inward. There is a landfill of ideas out there and a universe of nonsense that needs sorting.