There’s definitely something about writing things in light that is super fun. If you have the technology I highly suggest going out and doing this. There are few artist out there saying anyone can go out and do what they do. In this case I am totally saying that anyone can go out and do what I do. All you need is a camera with long exposure settings, darkness, and a hand held light source. There’s a little to learn about ISO, shutter speed, and aperture but most of the editing is done in the camera. Seeing what light situation looks the best. Part of the fun is the anticipation that’s built while creating the image. No matter how many times you write a word, there’s no way to know exactly how it will come out until you preview it. I guess it helps to practice writing words backwards and developing an intuitive understanding of how to space letters but its pretty easy to pick up.

When I was in first grade my teacher would do this thing called sky writing. It’s when you put your finger in the air with your arm stretched out and draw letters and words out. I guess it was a learning technique that was invented to save paper. Beats me. After a while I really got transported back to Mrs. Carters class room. Another nice thing is that there are so many variables taking place and no real way to know if what I’m doing is actually what I’m looking for that I’m able to relax and have fun with it. I look at the shapes that I create and its like the mark making of a child. It is something that I didn’t think I would ever be able to recreate in my own work.

I feel like a cave painter crossed with a graffiti artist. Working in near darkness not fully knowing if what I am creating will turn out as I’ve seen it in my own mind. In the same moment I am working as fast as I can so I can finish before the shutter closes. There are certain settings that definitely allow me some more time but I don’t like taking longer that I need. I find that when I move too slowly some of the life is lost. I think that’s one of the things that makes graffiti so appealing to me. There’s an inherent time limit. The movement has to be instant and instinctual. It’s so refreshing for me to create these things. So often I create things that take days or weeks. I’d like to think I’m present for the creation of those pieces but when I create these photos I have to be present. There’s no other way and I find that I can will myself into the present moment. There’s no other place I’d rather be.

I’m very happy to have this out in the world. I’ve been going at it for a week straight I’m finally at peace with this. I started it, like many pieces, months ago, and I just recently have been hit with a giant dose of “just do it” so I picked it up and got back to work. I don’t know what force has been kicking me in the ass to work with such focus. Perhaps its the quickening of 2012 or subliminal Nike ads. Perhaps something happens when you become an Uncle. All I know is that I’m thrilled with how things have been going recently.

This self portrait was made at a time when I was contemplating how I could put my powers of imagination to good use. We so often create destructive images of ourselves in our mind to the point where we can’t bear to see ourselves in the mirror at times. I wanted to create an image for myself that would inspire me when I saw it. Not something that would give me an inflated ego but a version of myself somewhere down the road at a place where I would like to be. In this case it is a place of balance and harmony between my outer and inner reality. To one day be truly awake.

I know that there is much to be done between now and this place that I’ve envisioned, but the Egyptians didn’t call it “The Great Work” for nothing. The effort that must be put forth is great but so are the rewards while walking along the path to true freedom. To me, this image is a reminder of that work that lies ahead.

The piece was the first painting that I started after getting back from the Amazon and working in my own studio. Its based on the anatomy of my own eye except I’ve taken away the edge of the iris to represent a removal of limitations that I have created for my own life. At the same time it becomes the eclipse with the moon in front of the sun with light radiating outward. Looking back it was a time in my life where the elements were aligning to set the stage for where I am today. Its funny how much my aesthetic has changes in the past 3 years. As I was completing this piece I thought about how this looks nothing like my current style of work. Its not that I don’t like it, its just different. I’m happy to have incorporated more color and vibrancy into my work. I consider this a new slate. Now I understand that in order to get to this point I needed to take the time to clean it.