10/09/2025
"A Struggle In Secret"
This is the first painting as part of my Samson series. I initially intended only to paint a serviceable background on which to photograph its accompanying balloon sculpture, but as I began to lay down each layer, the painting demanded more and more of me.
The scale of 6x7ft is effective in enveloping the viewer when up close. I wanted to feel like you could fall into the void, and there remain trapped. Surrounding the painted section is a collage, built up from ancient biblical text replicas, through King James pages, covered by cult material from the generation before me, and at the surface, the propaganda that instructed my worldview growing up.
This piece took well over a year to finish. It was a vehicle to reconcile with my past and the unique journey that brought me to where I am today. The full artist statement can be found in the link in the comments.
I set the bar high with this first part in the series and far exceeded it with the second part. Its intimidating to work at such scale while trying to meet the standard previously set. Its been over a year since I've last painted, but the final piece is slowly coming together in my mind.
