When the cafe owner scheduled me to show my work, I knew I wanted to do a series that would "fit" the spirit of the place. Initially, the "Men in Hats" paintings were inspired by a dapper gentleman I've been following on Instagram...he has such a flair for style.
But as I began painting, each one began to speak individually. The particular piece that you purchased became a balance between our inner natures and our need to be in the city, which represents our sustenance, our livelihoods. The birds that showed up in the man's torso symbolize our need for freedom despite our being tied to the earth. It also personified my need to create a new future for myself after being tied to the organization I started.
- Subject Matter: Human
- Inventory Number: 2016-213