09.01.01| autumn updates

Earlier this year I began recreating a larger version of my Harvest series. In one of my journals, on March 11, 2001, reads: "Time anymore transforms itself into economical terms, as a commodity which is won or lost. Values are placed on the days when accomplishments can be tallied to an effective level. Today for instance. Added 6 months of artwork to website, some of which includes the three illustrations intended for Oracle [Harvest 2, 3, 4] Despite the fact the magazine did not take one of them does not lessen their value to me. These three conclude the theme I developed— wait, "conclude" is not the right word. God knows I will continue painting different versions of the autumnal figure— just as Picasso continually developed portraits of grandiose women— it is all a process of development. A portfolio ad infitium."

After selling one of the three paintings, the need to recreate an even larger version of the figure struck me. By mid-summer I re-sketched the image, planning out a new look. [See image on the left.] Which leads me to the present season. Last week I shot some pictures of a posed model which will be the basis of the new painting. In a few weeks, pictures will be posted showing a progression of its creation.

09.11.01-09.12.01
Normally, I refrain from documenting political current events— but today's historic terrorist attack needs some reaction from me-- maybe I am still in shock. Or at least, I am at a loss for finding proper words which carry dignity for those killed in the World Trade Center.

The emotions trapped inside are the same when my younger brother died at 18 years old— absence creates chaos in extreme circumstances. The pain that death leaves for the living blinds and cripples.

Driving home last night, the traffic was almost non-existant-- a handful of cars remained on the highways, traveling at a slow pace... everyone suddenly cautious.

This morning, the air holds a dense musk of burnt wood-- hazy conditions over the city. Even my skin smells musky.