This collection of 20 artworks all created for a solo show in Bushwick, NYC during the largest open studio event in NYC, encompass my solo show titled “HOORAY FOR YOU”. The title is a quote from the 1990 documentary, Paris is Burning, which is an incredible film (preserved by the library of congress) about voguing, gay culture, NYC in the 80’s, fashion, music ultimately culture that rooted this community of creatives. Quote:
“I always had hopes of being a big star. But as you get older, you aim a little lower. Everybody wants to make an impression, some mark upon the world. Then you think, you’ve made a mark on the world if you just get through it, and a few people remember your name. Then you’ve left a mark. You don’t have to bend the whole world. I think it’s better to just enjoy it. Pay your dues, and just enjoy it. If you shoot an arrow and it goes real high, hooray for you.”
Life and creating art has so many people trying to make such an impact. But for me art has always been about enjoying the process of creation and the joy of sharing the product with others.
The documentary rang true for me as there’s a lot of hype surrounding art, with an exclusive nature at times but really it just seems to be a waste of time for me. People choosing to be creative no matter where or what situation, less thinking about where it fits into the world and more doing. This has been my approach to making art since I started 20years ago.
This solo show was hosted at a beautiful new gallery space at 100 Bogart street. It brings in for the first time in my artworks heavy influence from my love of nature, gardening, all things growing to the well established architectural, urban detailed buildings and topography.
