Some are my own, others are from books or lyrics, but for some reason or another have resonated with me based on what’s been happening in my life at that time. These are sayings of inspiration, motivation, and occasionally, cautionary reminders to guide me into the future. I’ve collected them, catalogued them… and tagged them on the walls of my basement as a way of preservation. As a lifetime artist, designer, and “retired” skateboarder, I’m drawn to big, bold graphics with an urban aesthetic. My work is inspired by street art, hieroglyphics, the beauty of imperfection and artist such as Jean-Michel Basquiat. Juxtaposition plays a big part in my design thinking and led to creating this series: I approached it with a mindset to not “overthink” the work conceptually. Instead, I set out to put paint on the canvas quickly, with a “there are no mistakes or rules punk-rock attitude.” Drips from the top are in their own control, flowing freely where they will. Around these, I added bright color pops, mixed with crisp lines, all drawn with Molotow paint markers to organize the discourse within the chaos.
My latest work, “Expressions with Lessons,”
is based on a series of phrases that I have identified
with on a personal level throughout the years.
Money Can’t Buy My Soul
Acrylic on canvas
36 x 48
In our society, money is traded for time — and time, unlike money, is a very limited and precious resource. Each of us only has so much time left. “Money Can’t Buy My Soul” serves as a reminder to spend time wisely, doing what you love and believe in, without compromising internal core values purely for financial gain or greed.
For more information, chat with Scott or email here.
Never Lose Your Fire
Acrylic on canvas
36 x 48
The fire within us drives imagination, creativity, and growth. It allows us to keep learning, producing, experimenting, and doing what makes us feel most fulfilled. Most of all, these aspects come together with one exceptional benefit — the ability to stay young in spirit, forever.
SOLD
Oh Baby, Baby, It’s a Wild World
Acrylic on canvas
36 x 48
I can only imagine Queen Elizabeth at the end of a day, resting in her private quarters, listening to Cat Stevens, drinking a glass of wine, and singing to herself, “Oh Baby, Baby, It’s a Wild World.” In a quirky way, this was my way of humanizing the Queen, who was often seen only in the highest stature.
For more information, chat with Scott or email here.
If You Build an Army, Expect an Opposing Force
Acrylic on canvas
36 x 48
There are those in this world that want to see you fail, that’s just a reality. Some may secretly root for this, and some may be more vocal behind your back. “If You Build an Army, Expect an Opposing Force,” serves as a reminder that whenever you set your aspirations high and are building something big, there will be those that disapprove. Pay no attention to the harsh words they say and the doubt they have in your ability. The more successful you are, the more others will try to find fault. Find the people that believe in you — inspire each other, move mountains.
For more information, chat with Scott or email here.
Love is Dangerous
Acrylic on canvas
36 x 48
Love can be beautiful, messy, sad, happy, deep, painful, and exciting. It can drive actions with emotions that you can’t even begin to explain, other than just knowing it’s how you feel. In some cultures, crows are thought to symbolize growth and transformation. Seeing one crow is thought to be a bad omen, but two, is thought to represent good luck. I wish you good luck on your dangerous pursuits to find, maintain, and experience love.
For more information, chat with Scott or email here.
Weaponize Yourself with Information
Acrylic on canvas
36 x 36
The world is full of inequality; however, the great “equalizer” is information and its application. Information is now more readily available than any other time in human history. If you want to become an expert in a subject, it’s just click away. Some people may have more perceived opportunities than others, be born into a family with money, seem to have the moon, stars and sun align perfectly for them, but knowledge can be the key to creating an equal playing field and advancing one’s personal causes.
SOLD
Never Lose Your Fire, Defend Your Light
Acrylic on canvas
24 x 48
This multi-message layered piece started off with the idea of protecting what’s good about each of us. Throughout the years, I’ve used the phrase, “Defend Your Light,” to block the energy vampires from stealing my positive mental state and aspirations. Light, in essence is a personal power source that is too important to let go unprotected. It has soul.
I decided to layer “Never Lose Your Fire,” on top as a secondary message, as a reminder of how these two ideas complement each other. From an artistic expression, I set out to let this work free-flow from my hand, without over thinking much — with the intent to create my own version of typography with angular lettering — which now has become a consistent element throughout my other work.
SOLD
Be Careful Who You Listen 2
Acrylic on canvas
24 x 48
A limiting belief is a thought or state of mind that you think is the absolute truth and stops you from doing certain things. Listening to the wrong person with these limiting beliefs is a sure-fire way for them to project their limitations onto you — potentially disrupting your confidence and belief in yourself to live your best life. I learned quickly when this happens, it’s not that you can’t act upon your dreams, but rather knowing who is credible and who should be dismissed is one of the best filtering factors to do things that matter.
SOLD
Into the Ocean
Acrylic on canvas
36 x 72
Living in the Midwest, whenever I’m fortunate enough to spend time near the ocean, I find it to be energizing and calming. It’s a happy place to escape your everyday pressures and just be in the moment. “Into the Ocean” serves as a call-to-action, to remember to make time for things that make you happy, that bring peace and energy to your life. Having a bad day? Quick, everybody — “Into the Ocean!” Ahh, that’s better.
For more information, chat with Scott or email here.
Into the Night
Acrylic on canvas
36 x 72
“Into the Night” was created as a companion piece to “Into the Ocean.” The night offers a more mysterious ocean experience. What’s happening under the water? Is there danger, should you avoid swimming? Will you be eaten? Let’s find out! There is something beautiful in the ocean at night, where your sensory perceptions change — and you can hear the ocean waves, yet only see the water by the glow of the moonlight. Day or night, the ocean is the place I want to be nearby.
For more information, chat with Scott or email here.
Let Them Whatever
Acrylic on canvas
36 x 48
Marie Antoinette was thought to have said, “Let Them Eat Cake.” Whether she did or not is another story – some say there is no actual proof she said these words. I could just as easily see her saying, “Let Them Whatever” in tongue and cheek, as the attitude implies, she really didn’t care what other people thought about her. How would she manage her Instagram handle today? Would she be cancelled or forgiven?
From an artistic expression, I challenged myself to create a piece that I could just as easily imagine on the side of a building next to other street art, as I could see hanging in a traditional turn-of-the-century parlor room — creating some dialogue amongst different styles of design and architecture.
SOLD
Refuse to Move Backwards
Acrylic on canvas
36 x 48
There is no way around it, to grow as a person, you need to take chances and be vulnerable to imperfection. To learn, you must experiment through trial and error to find what works. What can sometimes seem like a setback or failure, is really learning and new knowledge in disguise. “Refuse to Move Backwards” is a call-to-action to remember that no matter what, forward is the only option. How you perceive what it means to go forward is up to you. Let the momentum of your own experiences propel you.
For more information, chat with Scott or email here.
