This particular piece was inspired by my father's death due to thyroid cancer during my first year of art school. It belongs to a series entitled "Closure" that brings all of the stages of grief to light through 7 paintings. The viewer is immersed into the setting during which my father is depicted displaying discomfort while battling the disease. At one point while carrying him to the restroom, we locked eyes, he then exclaimed "Get off me you bastards!" I feel this piece relates to "Mad, Mad World" because it captures the raw emotions that one experiences whilst watching a loved one pass away. 

artist bio

Since I was a child, my parents were always encouraging me to make artwork. I pursued my hobby through high school and decided it was such a key aspect of my life, that I decided to attend art school and continue my passion, turning my hobby into a career. I chose East Carolina University because it was not only close to home, but it is a renowned institution for the arts. While enrolled I experimented with different mediums and was encouraged to explore my creative expression the entire time I was in attendance. In the Spring of 2014, I was fortunate to have been able to be a part of the Italy Intensives program, led by the renowned enamelist Linda Darty. Those three months were not only influential, but life changing as well. Being able to study fine art amidst the hills of Tuscany, where the Renaissance masters had once stepped foot, gave me a new outlook on the message I wanted my viewers to receive. In May 2015, I graduated with a BFA in Painting & Drawing and am currently continuing to pursue my dream of becoming a well established artist. I strive to be an artist who is educated in his field, and self-sufficient while producing his work.

ART SHOWS

2016 April First Friday Artist of the Month (Art Avenue - Greenville, NC)

2015 "Closure" (Burroughs Wellcome Gallery - Greenville, NC)

2014 ECU Italy Intensives exhibition (Certaldo, Italy)