55 mins
“I Never Noticed The House Was On Fire” This is a painting for an upcoming group exhibition about memories. When I was a kid I grew up in a household where my parents were functioning alcoholics. They gave me toys, put me in front of the tv, and sent me outside to play to keep me distracted from what was going on. When I look back almost all of my childhood memories revolve around these things. I became obsessed with these imaginary worlds and I learned to draw by copying my favorite cartoons and characters from children’s books. It was not until I was much older, that the truth could no longer be hidden from me. The imaginary world of cartoons and books kept me shielded from the harsh realities of home. As I grew into an adult that form of coping grew with me as I created my own imaginary places inspired by the ones I loved as a child. A healthy place to escape.
This is an illustration I did last year that is included in a book of short stories about 'Abdul-Baha, the son of the founder of the Baha'i Faith, entitled "To Serve All Humanity".
Watercolor plein air painting but my painting subject of decorative flourishes portray the vibe of this park:
Relaxing ASMR sounds of barking dogs, screaming children, and screeching parrots.