Ambiguity is sometimes highly important to an artist. This is one of those cases, so very little back story will be provided on what exactly inspired this work of art.

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 not just product, it is a concept. Three paintings have been chosen for this project (brother, sister, and resume). All of them are symbolic of common crossroads in life. (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; in desperate need of help . Welcome to 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 is something that 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, in some small way, it could help 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. You should have fun interpreting the art for yourself too.

'sister' was created 9 years ago during a very transitional time in my life. Heartache had driven me to dig deep into my past with questions of how and why as I battled with feelings of weakness. The impulse to paint took over. I started to scan through my photo references and this pose spoke to me. It immediately got me thinking about my childhood. It was time to reflect on the formative years that had shaped the man I had become.

​I realized that much of my life ​had been spent trying to please and gain the acceptance of others. The result was a lack of confidence and poor judgement. I began to see the fractures in some of my most personal relationships. I needed space. I needed to redesign my life and learn to set boundaries. It was time for some major changes. I packed my car with the things that mattered most and impulsively moved to San Diego. I arrived in California before 'sister' had even dried.