What I care about most in art is to tell meaningful stories. For the New Orleans series, I have for the most part focused on the iconic aspects of who New Orleans is. The world famous entertainers, the unique modes of transportation, the beautiful architecture. But what intrigues me the most about New Orleans is not necessarily any of those tangible, clearly definable things. What motivates me most as an artist when I am in New Orleans are actually all of the things that I cannot see and I cannot touch. The spirit of the city rather than the things of the city. The behavior of the city. The legacy of one of the most unique places on earth.
As an artist, there are some projects that you create...and there are other projects that help create you. I have always believed that where I stand today is a reflection of all of my past experiences, and I believe that New Orleans is no different from me. There are particular moments in history that have made New Orleans what it is today- and what we all are experiencing is a reflection, a unique collection of every single memory in its history.
New Orleans means so much to so many. What I wanted to do with this particular painting was interpret all of those site specific feelings of the city into something that will last forever. My hope is that my interpretation of New Orleans will not only spark a reflection of those memories and legacy of the city, but it will also encourage the viewer to reflect on their own memories of who they are, and think about what their legacy could be.