For most of my art career I have been exploring open-ended narratives in my work. Using mostly a portrait format, I’ve tapped into my subconscious to conjure loose metaphors and symbols, and weave them into compelling characters. Lately I have started drawing mostly small animals and pets. During the pandemic most of up have been feeling vulnerable and uncertain. These little critters are a metaphor for that particular vulnerability and unease. Some of these critters represent a kind of psychological self-portrait. Others represent small animals I have encountered throughout my day. Often these characters are amalgamations. These drawings not specific portraits, more like the impression of various personalities. The character’s life-story is left open to interpretation, inviting the viewer into the story-telling process. The results are what appear to be damaged or vulnerable beings, but a second look reveals complex and sensitive spirits, more like enthusiastic upstarts, rather than rejects or troublemakers.
