Studio post · March 6, 2026
The most challenging part of this program so far has been the ambition to paint stories that are therapeutic to the public. Over the past couple of weeks, in addition to my master copy, I have been developing concepts for my next paintings. Internally, it has been a rather tense couple of weeks. I am trying to juggle what I think could be a successful painting visually, what I believe the Conru Foundation is seeking, and what would even be logistically feasible to paint with the references available to me- all the while with the looming feeling that time is of the essence and whatever “Masterwork” is next to grace my easel must be started urgently. In the midst of all these thoughts, I have three separate ideas that I have bouncing around in my head. Here they are: The first is a line of people waiting to go to confession. It is a reflection on guilt, forgiveness, struggle with one’s own flawed nature, and perhaps even what it means to “fall in line”. The second is a painting of the German fairy tail, Rumpelstiltskin. There are many themes that come through in this old story that relate to today- the futility of rash lies, the danger of promising something you don’t have, the utility of asking for help, and what it means to spin straw into gold. The idea, inspired by pre raphaelite paintings such as “The Goblin Market” by Frank Craig, could make for an interesting piece visually. The third painting is one that I am developing alongside fellow painter, Emma Garay. In this project function has followed form and the style of storytelling involved is a more familiar one to me. It is reminiscent of previous paintings of mine such as “the Man Counting Grains of Sand”, “The Tabernacle of the Five Lanterns” or “Dead Wood”. Though this style of storytelling tends toward the enigmatic, themes that I am working with include Protection, the vigilant vs. the oblivious, danger, loyalty, and what it means to be part of a pack. As I work through this rather fragile part of the process where ideas can crumble instantly into an ashen heap, I have been very appreciative of the useful input from my peers. Particularly Nick Eisele and Tenaya Sims whose willingness to stay late with me and offer critical, yet non judgemental, advice has given me some direction along the way.