2.

Refined realities open the way to narrative paths so accessible that anyone can travel as protagonist in their own drama. - Santander, province of the Altamira caves, my ancestral home, provides me with layered memories, flashbacks and enjambment.

For nearly a decade I had painted an urban, man-made world, where man, mysteriously, did not appear. One night in a dream, figures moved in like silhouettes. I saw that even with limited information an individual could be known; not as a black hole in a painted environment, but as a real presence. Once the human figure had made its debut into my work I had to consider WHO I would paint. My father, strangers in a vibrant ambiance; men engaged in something. I sought situations. - Following the thread in my content to explore the culture of my ancestral Spain, I was tipped off about a Spanish priest at a local church. I approached the priest with my sudden strong desire to paint about him. He didn't like the idea. For the first six months I was interrogated by his superior, persecuted, and asked to abort the first (innocent) unseen painting. Persevering I prevailed to be embraced by Bishops, presented to Cardinals, able to see the Pope in Spain, and fraternally welcomed in many an unlikely scene. I had to cultivate the privileged peephole. A long way from Backstage-Bob Dylan-Days, but not so very different. - I am living a modern myth. I’m on a pilgrimage to explore the parallel of the mystic art-life to the priesthood and the relationship of artist to subject, and

PAINTING TITLES: 1. Almost Tribal 2. Jesús y the TV Crew 3. 3 Women 4. Paseando Late 5. Spanish National Police 6. Veneration (all acrylic on linen)

3.

subject to audience. - In the true sequence of Art, the journey outlines the visuals; the paintings herald meaning; narrative links harmonies---all lending credence to mystery. I go Behind the Seens, to a reality stretched to the edge---just short of falling off---to encompass beyond. - I have always been observing power. Power, as I see it, in varied shapes. I look at politics, authority, humility, the spiritual and love. While reflecting culture, I recognize the power of Art as responsibility shouldered in creating culture.