I completed this first of my current Incarnation series in March of this year. This series represents a convergence of several elements that have been present in works I have done over the years: the skeleton, the body and biological processes, ethereal abstract lines, and the incorporation of trash into artwork. The figure in this piece is ghostlike--you will see the figures become more and more corporeal as the series progresses.

I included this detail to highlight the "Oz" cardboard sign at the center of this piece. One of the central themes of the series is the idea of the spiritual becoming corporeal. One dimension or world affecting and interacting with another. Placing found objects in these paintings was my attempt to continue this metaphor one more step--the bounds and definition of "painting" are breached by inserting an object that is from a world outside of the the canvas. This series represents a convergence of several elements that have been present in works I have done over the years: the skeleton, the body and biological processes, ethereal abstract lines, and the incorporation of trash into artwork.

Because of the ghostlike quality of this painting some of its intricacies were difficult to photograph. In this detail you can see some of the linework surrounding and invading the figure. You can also get a sense of the use of gloss contrasted with matte finish I used to hint at another dimension in this work. This series represents a convergence of several elements that have been present in works I have done over the years: the skeleton, the body and biological processes, ethereal abstract lines, and the incorporation of trash into artwork. The figure in this piece is ghostlike--you will see the figures become more and more corporeal as the series progresses.

This second piece of my Incarnation series shows a progression towards corporeal or biological themes. One of my intentions with this series is to depict people in the process of being created. I believe we are spiritual beings who are "incorporated" into the physical world. This series represents a convergence of several elements that have been present in works I have done over the years: the skeleton, the body and biological processes, ethereal abstract lines, and the incorporation of trash into artwork.

This second piece of my Incarnation series shows a progression towards corporeal or biological themes. One of my intentions with this series is to depict people in the process of being created. I believe we are spiritual beings who are "incorporated" into the physical world. This series represents a convergence of several elements that have been present in works I have done over the years: the skeleton, the body and biological processes, ethereal abstract lines, and the incorporation of trash into artwork. The number 9 bears no special significance--I used this found object as a way to physically break the plane of the canvas. I took cues from its shape to give direction to the abstract shapes surrounding the figure.

This detail shows that this is the first hint of a face in this series. One of my intentions with this series is to depict people in the process of being created. Spiritual beings take physical form, and as we grow and progress and are influenced by this life, our identity becomes more and more clearly defined. This series represents a convergence of several elements that have been present in works I have done over the years: the skeleton, the body and biological processes, ethereal abstract lines, and the incorporation of trash into artwork.

This second piece of my Incarnation series shows a progression towards corporeal or biological themes. The lines and shapes interacting with the outer bounds of the figure suggest the cellular and the organic. One of my intentions with this series is to depict people in the process of being created. I believe we are spiritual beings who are "incorporated" into the physical world. This series represents a convergence of several elements that have been present in works I have done over the years: the skeleton, the body and biological processes, ethereal abstract lines, and the incorporation of trash into artwork.

The series takes a significant leap with Incarnation 3, both aesthetically and thematically. One of my intentions with this series is to depict people in the process of being created. As we grow we interact with one another and become a part of the shaping of each other's identity. Our understanding of Self and Other is always in flux as we experience connection, isolation, misunderstanding, love, etc.

It's hard to not be trite when you include a heart in your painting. I hope the other elements of this piece are enough to lift it above the realm of the mundane! That being said, I am rather pleased with the look of this heart. The dark, arrow-like line and the fainter yellow line penetrating it originate in the throat/mouth of the other figure in this painting. I believe our words can have an even greater impact on each other than our actions.

This detail shows both a fetus-like shape and the end of one of the tears streaming from the figure's eyes (just below the blue object). The process of maturation is often a painful one, and our most painful interactions that can have the deepest impact on our lives. The fetus can be taken literally or figuratively as a representation of potential, unrealized hopes, and renewal of life. On a side note, I play around with the idea of fictional anatomy in this series. I like the idea of each individual being comprised of both unique parts and those common to all.