Old World

Created early in my painting practice, this work marks the beginning of themes and imagery that continue to shape my art today. It reflects my desire to see the world as a child, to find wonder in the ordinary and solace in the act of simply being. The scene unfolds in a strange clearing under a muted sky, where plants, animals, and spirits share the same breath. To the left sits a cat, a master meditator, watching the orb the plant is caressing. It is completely present and fully alert, yet also consumed by play. In the foreground, a skinless pink figure kneels in a gesture of reverence, bowing to the majesty of the natural world. Behind them, a luminous tree rises, its branches extending toward the figure as if he were the sun, drawn to his presence as a source of life. In front of the figure, a pale, swirling spirit reaches for his hand, its form alive with movement and intent. Nearby, a mask rests in a bowl, its presence tied to the skinless figure. Together, the skin and mask act as metaphors for the ego, suggesting its removal as a step toward a deeper connection with the living world. Many of the ideas that appear in my current paintings, including the merging of human and nonhuman forms, reverence for nature, and the blending of beauty with strangeness, first took root here. It remains a touchstone in my practice, a reminder of the curiosity and openness that continue to guide my work.