Lashes for Ankles

Lashes for exposing your ankles, that is what you get if you're caught, when living in the capitol of Somalia. You're also not allowed to wear bras, listen to music or television or have gold teeth. I'm flabbergasted. Well there goes hip hop among other things. Another odd restriction is the banning of the delicious fried Samosa...the triangular shaped food item, as it too closely resembles the Christian trinity.
These new drawings are a base reaction to such extremes, which I find unacceptable, unlivable and unhealthy. I have a problem with extremes in general. Especially when personal beliefs are imposed on others or used as law. As a western artist, I purposely mirror the disconnect between myself and the oppression which happens around the world. I'm interested in drawing young girls, rebellious in nature, floating in a fantasy world where it is safe to live dangerously.

Hot in the City

Atlanta can get very hot, muggy and humid during the summer. The combination of old fish in the trash and 100F can make for a super stew of maggots and other gross things squirming in the garbage bin. Bugs also come inside, attracted by the A/C, to beat the heat. The other night I watched a big roach wiggle on his back and slowly die his natural death. I think the reason they are so scary is because they are so fast. Their sensory systems are highly acute and they also don't mind running their course right towards you or flying right into your face. I think they embody both fight and flight, not one or the other. They are also brown....I think if they were pink, turquoise or some other attractive color, they wouldn't be so scary. The next time I draw one, it will look prettier.

Mail Art in the Summertime

Just drew this today and shipped it off to Tempus projects in Florida for their mail art catalog and exhibit. Not sure what to call it. "Mystery Hug" comes to mind. This is a 7"x7" drawing of my new model Maggie V.

Oh Dang!

Art Noveau Magazine just published a synopsis of an interview that I had regarding some of my favorite female artists. Look here !

Spring is in the air

This article featuring my work was recently published in CommonCreativ. Now that Spring is in the air...it is time to get busy with new paintings....but first I have to move my studio! I'll be moving from Cabbagetown to Inman Park in April, so Springtime calls for cleaning out and moving to make way for new work which will unfold beginning May.

Softcore War

In just 3 days, my exhibition of paintings and sculptural elements titled "Softcore War" will open with a reception at Whitespace Gallery, Friday, September 10th, 7-10pm. I've been working on this series since Springtime and I'm happy to have the work out of my studio and in the gallery! To read, listen and see more about this show, here are some links to check out. The first article was published in this Atlanta's Creative Loafing September 2nd issue. And thestudiovisit.com published a studio visit video, interview and images. There is also a preview in The Atlantan. and Burnaway. And Cathy Fox wrote this review in ArtsCriticATL.

Summer Lovin'

Had me a blast in Washington D.C. My "Trip for Two" drawings were selected for "Body of Work: New Perspectives in Figure Painting" at the National Museum for Women in the Arts, Washington D.C. I flew up for the exhibition reception and gave two brief talks on members day. It is nice to show the work to a new audience. The show exhibits from July-Sept. 2010. Here is a brief review in the Washinton Post.