Now that I have this classical arts education from Florence behind my belt, I'm back to work creating my own new series of "contemporary" works.  While they are not fully classical, per se, rather, yet something for me that is completely new.  Notice you can still see my original style with "bold black lines" yet with a new even bolder type of "raw" expressions on canvas with a classical trist, unlike anything I've done before.  The classical aspect now combines the bold black lines of my unique style from Paris, yet also clearly  inspired by the foundation of classical art of Firenze. 

 

Why Saint Sebastian?

This classical torso shown above was inspired by the story of Saint Sebastian.   And why Saint Sebastian?   Saint Sebastian is particularly meaningful to me...  Saint Sebastian was a martyr and the patron saint of those who have been persecuted.  The Artworld is not a "kind" place!  As an artist, I've also been criticized to death!   So I can deeply identify with this saint whose life represents the embodiment of resilience!  

 

In life we must stand up for ourselves.  So, despite all the criticism, I also just keep going and stay committed to my life in the arts regardless of all the criticism, obstacles, and setbacks I've had in my own personal life...  Today, I literally just created this bold work with the classical torso representing "strength and resilience" in the face of adversity.  It's very apropos for me to paint this torso of Saint Sebastian to express my resilience and commitment to continue growing and celebrating my life as an artist.  In terms of symbolism, it is symbolic "self-portrait."