"Belief" is a word that feels loaded sometimes. On top of that, why is it that we can feel so strongly about something and then do a full one eighty. What is "truth"? The debate is exhausting so why not make it the topic of a painting.

The muddy light blue above represents questionable, though deeply held, beliefs. The brown is humility offering a path to a deeper understanding. The man's desperate pursuit for truth has taken hold of his body. He submits, shown by one arm drawn fully back with palm supine. However, he knows nothing is gained without work so he grabs the part of his shirt above his heart and pulls himself closer to new found knowledge that there is more. Through the darkening surroundings you begin to see royal blue coming through, symbolic of the truth that is closer but remains ever elusive. The figure is dressed in the same blue, and white. These colors note his existing connection to truth and his pure heart.

​Choosing the position to hang this piece in was difficult. After spending days living with all the different options, peace was found with the choosing of the title fallacy. It contains the word "fall" and it just felt right. Yes, the visual of falling, rather than flying or being pulled up, just felt more honest and true to the experience had during it's creation.
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​exit is an artistic representation of a bruise. More often than not, it is perceived simply as a bold colored koi fish and nothing more. But upon sharing its true meaning, people’s impressions of the painting change dramatically.

We have all had a bruise. They start as a visually hidden pain, but over time, as our blood slowly percolates beneath the surface of our skin, they reveal themselves. If severe enough, they appear in various shades of fuchsia, purple, and even black. The koi’s multilayered background is symbolic of this phase of bruising. As a bruise heals, it turns green, yellow and everything in between. It  looks unhealthy, but at this point the pain has dulled and full recovery is close at hand.

ilitia is a concept. Three paintings have been chosen for this project (brother, sister, and resume). Each represents one of life's crossroad. (brother) Having to make a life changing decision, (​sister) realizing unhealed wounds are keeping you from living fully in the ​​present, and (resume) reaching rock bottom with no hope for the future and in need of help. This is the human condition.

Forks in the road are an opportunity for introspection and growth. As depicted in the paintings, you are a heap on the ground today but if you look closely, the hints of a better tomorrow are right in front of you. Hardship can be forged into custom armor for future combat. Making tough decisions is hard but the courage gained is invaluable. Living in the past is a trap but you can choose to honor it as lessons learned. Get better at riding out the lows by acknowledging that it is okay to accept or ask for help. Inner strength grows whether earned, given, or borrowed.

​It often feels as if we are losing touch with our ability to relate to one another. This is alarming. It is time to form a militia. Let the messages within the artwork be a reminder that we are much more alike than we are different. Life is a shared experience. With this understanding in our hearts we can band together, as human beings, in action against the chaos. The Militia Collection is about starting the conversation. Strolling around with a uniquely morose image across your chest can be a real conversation starter. You can tell those who comment that you purchased it from this really moody artist who, more than anything, wants to bring a little more conversation and empathy to the table we call life. I cannot help but feel that an interesting chat, triggered by an artsy article of clothing, is somehow charming and good. Perhaps it helps make the world a better place. A lofty hope but a well-intentioned one.

 Thank you for reading. You know artists. We are always feeling so misunderstood. Thought I would try and explain myself, but just a little. There has to be some mystery.