All of my commissions evolve through a collaborative process, refined during my days as an art director in Hollywood where I regularly solved creative problems. I begin every project by determining scale—digitally creating composite images to compare paintings in the prospective location, fine tuning composition and balance. Then, studying textile swatches and finishes from the actual space I create a palette on canvas and once approved a color sample board in the textures, design and colors of the final artwork.
Please find other custom palettes on the 'custom composites' page under the 'installations' heading drop down.
The final paintings, a diptych, Blessings of a Golden Rose 1 & 2 @ 17" W x 50" H x 2" D for a 'his & her' master bathroom in a Four Seasons Hualalai residence on the Big Island of Hawai'i. Each painting was installed on opposite sides of the bathroom but from the entry and in the large mirrors over the sinks it was possible to see both paintings at the same time and so the textures had to work together and move in a complimentary pattern.
A place of honor, an altar for the work —the 24K gold leaf adding a touch of luxe.
Blessing of a Golden Rose # 1 hangs to the left of the master bathtub. The bathroom floods with natural light from the wall of sliding glass on the right but the paintings are tucked away from that light source. The colors of the painting have just enough pop to offset that and pick up the palette from the adjacent master bedroom as well.
Blessings of a Golden Rose # 2 hangs to the right of the master bathtub and to the left of the garden shower beyond. This is my second commission for these clients, the first being a large diptych in the living room of their prior home. Many of my commissions have had repeat performances and I am pleased as my clients are connoisseurs.
Ready for our close up.
Artist Statement:
Polynesian tattooing began over 2000 years ago, and part of its purpose was to identify personal lineage, status, rank, and story. Greatly revered, Polynesian tattoo masters had spiritual responsibilities that strictly limited their behaviors so as not to offend their Gods.
At Neue Museum in NYC, viewing the great artistry of Austrian symbolist painter Gustav Klimt, tattoo design ignited for me. The richly patterned geometries in Klimt’s work reminded me of ancient Polynesian tattoos, and in, Blessings of a Golden Rose, I have linked the two styles.
A coffee table book featuring the full collection of my work and an artist statement on the genesis of each design.