This artwork has changed drastically between conception and execution. Therefore it has no meaning.

Untitled (golden spirals)
17 1/4 inches in diameter
2010, Oil on wooden serving tray

This happens to me almost every time I make artwork. I will come up with an idea that seems cohesive and a plan on how to execute this idea visually. I will work through the sketches, all the while reinforcing the original conception. Then, at some point, something changes. The sketches don’t get the idea across the way I had intended or the composition doesn’t fit the proportions of my workspace or I forget how to draw for a few days (yes, this can happen). Then I’ll suddenly become distracted by some shiny object or the cat, my mind will blank out for a bit and then * pop * I’ll think of something else that is (hopefully) interesting to put the artwork back on track.

At this point, the question in my mind has always been, “how has this changed the meaning and the original intent of the artwork? Has it”? Of course, this only matters to me. As a viewer, you probably have no idea what I ‘meant’ to portray in the first place. You only see the end of the process. (And for this I am often thankful). On the other hand, changing course in the middle of making art can yield connections and meanings that I had never even considered in the first place. These meanings and connections have come for me sometimes years after completing an artwork. I’ll pull a drawing out of a drawer and think “Oh. That’s what this means”.

And that is what happened with this painting. It started out with a pretty specific concept, but it morphed, it mutated. And I’m much happier with the outcome than I was with my original idea. I’m not really sure what it ‘means’ yet, if anything. But as a viewer myself, I really enjoy making my own meanings and connections. Even if it’s my own artwork I’m looking at.

P.S. This piece of functional artwork (it's painted on a tray!) will be for sale at a benefit at ABC No Rio on December 3. Just in time for your holiday shopping needs!

Details here.