The Dollar is the most recognized, non-religious, symbol in the world. The symbols in our currency represent our forefather’s ideals. In these paintings, I juxtapose those symbols, with allegorical social commentaries of life in America.
Wealth In America
A couple of years ago, Mr. Roger Milliken asked me to paint how the middle class is getting poorer while the upper class is getting richer, in context with our turning away from our Hamiltonian principles. Reflecting on Hamilton, and origins of the United States government, turned my thoughts toward money and how it affects our lives.
Beseiged Middle Class
We would like that the best things in life were free. Regrettably, that’s just not possible. Everything, at one level or another, revolves around economics. A simple thing, such as taking one's kid out to grill a hot-dog, requires the cooperation of a sound government and a number of corporations. Even happiness requires a certain amount of wealth. Our lives are made of the choices we make, chances we take, and the decisions made by others. I observe a world full of contradictions where the good and the bad often blend together. The United States is a unique experiment in government, and I worry that we are moving away from the expectations of our founding fathers.
Broke America
I am painting my impressions on this. Some of the things that we do would make George Washington weep. This is the tragic reality of our times. Time and time again we see our civil liberties chiseled away in Congress, our courts of law, and by the apathy of our citizens. I hope that the message these paintings convey is that life is tough, but we have to take it with a grain of salt. I would rather laugh than to cry.
Social Dollar
Emo America
Green America
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