16x20"
Abstract
Black and yellow ochre
Acrylic on canvas (canvas stapled around edge of frame, not gallery wrap)

This is the first publicly sold piece by this artist, whose known works include Silverladder, the Silverladder ARG, The BadScaryPlace, Voices In The Static and Hallucinine.

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Artist Statement: This painting is equal parts art, historical piece, and statement on the absurd power of perfectionism. I began this painting in 2003. That was seven years, three living situations and a lifetime of experience ago.

The initial inspiration resulted in 90% of what you see on the canvas, as it should be. In my opinion, inspiration should be the engine that drives art. However, reconciling that feeling with the perfectionist in me that will spend a ridiculous amount of time and effort trying to make something "just so" is no small feat. Hence the fact that this painting has not only remained in my possession for more than half a decade but has been repeatedly modified over time. It was only due to the insistance of other, more qualified, artists that I finally put the brakes on this piece. "It's right. Leave it alone," I was recently told for the umpteenth time. I finally listened.

My late cousin Mickey was intended to be the original recipient of this painting. When visiting my house back in 2005, he saw it in my studio and immediately asked about it. A few minutes later, he had managed to get me to promise to give it to him. In true ridiculous perfectionist form, I held on to it and tweaked it over the next two years, losing the chance to give it to him.

While I won't go too much into my inspiration for the painting or thoughts on it, I will say a little bit as to how I view it. The abstract tree is the dominant element, though the sphere within the tree draws the eye to it first. Is the sphere the sun, the moon, or something else? Is it daytime or night? Is the tree blending into its surroundings, or vice versa? Either way, there is a blurring of the edges. Everything swirls into one cohesive moment, yet retains its own lines.

Others have voiced a number of opinions regarding what this piece makes them see and feel. Upon seeing it, it seems people are drawn to make a remark one way or another. I couldn't help but notice over time how much this painting caused people to speak their interpretations of it. It's as if people can't withhold their words around it. Most commonly, I have heard people say that this has a "Tim Burton feel" to it. I think it has its own thing going on, but I will certainly accept that. Frankly, I find it flattering in a way.

What really matters is how you and those around you see it.

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