I graduated with a Masters of Fines Arts from Wayne State University in Detroit Michigan in 1973. I was part of a group of new artists, the Tribes of Cass Corridor who changed the face of Detroit’s artscape. Most of the artists I knew then are still working as artists and many have passed. But we all continue to fight through our art for the freedoms we express. My desire to speak with the world, even influence and help others through my work came a lot later when I was a lot wiser and a bit older. I began a new style of painting around 2000 and saved myself from such difficult times I never thought could be. As always at Christmas I felt depressed which was typical for me as I am Jewish and feel left out. Suicidal described my mood but then I thought " I'll feel happy" instead. Where did this come from? My Muse had arrived. what took her so long?And the images just flowed from my mind to the paper.Before I painted from the world outside, still lifes. I had to look. But from my head, my dream come true. First I healed myself by rewriting my life with painting new endings to bad scenario’s.Next I created avatars to save our communities and homelands. I moved on to conquer Tyrants and Terrorists, and now I want to export Peace, beginning with creations on paper, providing new life scapes. As the complexity of my paintings increased, I began writing narratives so the viewer could better understand how the painting flowed and coincided with my thoughts. It became a painting's roadmap, painted with love, humor and satirical wit. After many years, forty or so, of being an artist I believe my job is to document events that occur in my lifetime, so people will know what this era is about. I am a narrative painter which evolved from blogging and after nine years, I am a writer as well. I've have two books. One is the memoir of Me and Lucy, an only lonely elephant, at the Edmonton Valley Zoo. Initially I thought I would paint Lucy's story for children but now it has a global message as I became a voice for those who could not speak for themselves. As an animal activist, I share my voice for their protection. My second book is titled, Cancer, I’d Rather do Lunch, which brings humor to a very non-humorous experience. I have had and have lung cancer for the third time. Cancer today has become part of our world culture; I hope to bring some relief, humor, and joy with my work. Now why have I dedicated my life to the condemned role of an artist, a somewhat predictable life of poverty and struggle? I have a vision of world communities increasing their knowledge and appreciation of each other. We are one world, different cultures beautifully special; let's live our lives in fulfillment and peace. December 2016 |