Social Isolation

While conjuring up this drawing, I was channeling inspiration from Arthur Miller's play about the Salem Witch trials, The Crucible. But in these surreal times, it evokes a literal social isolation, and disconnection from community. As many of us are practicing social distancing, I hope you're all staying connected to family, friends, and neighbors, in whatever way you can.  Please take care of yourselves, and much Peace and Love to you all!

Matt Berninger

My favorite band in the world is the National. Their sound is dark, moody, and sad. Yet, somehow, listening to their music is a cathartic experience. As someone who experiences anxiety on a daily basis, I find comfort in their sound and lyrics. I sense that others share the same internal struggles which I go through. I don't feel alone. Unsurprisingly, there happens to be an incredible communal bond amongst fans of the National. They're an amazing live band, and they do a lot of charitable work.

This is a little portrait of their singer, Matt Berninger, who (like the rest of the band) is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio. His deep baritone is one of the most unique voices in indie rock. The lyrics which he (and his wife) write are haunting and beautiful. On stage, his wacky sense of humor is a perfect counterbalance to the moodiness of their sound. I started this drawing while riding on a train from Rhinecliff, NY to Buffalo, NY. The Amtrak route I traveled on is called the Empire Line, which happens to be the name of one their songs!

Bernie Sanders

As he reassesses his quest for the presidency, Bernie Sanders has turned his campaign into a fundraising vehicle for coronavirus charities (and has raised millions of dollars). In a nation which always favors corporations, he is fighting for a system which will give everyday people a better Life. I love this guy.

Signed prints of this portrait are available here!

W.E.B. Dubois

Born in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, he’d grow up to become a founding father of the civil rights movement. W.E.B. Dubois

Signed prints of this portrait are available here! 

Riverdale Country School

For four years running, I've been creating a new years image for the prestigious Riverdale Country School, in the Bronx, NY. For 2020, this progressive institution wanted to portray a strong environmental theme. The idea of this community planting a wide array of trees out in the world won the day. In the spirit of Greta Thunberg's campaign to address climate change, this is a wonderful theme for 2020!

Thanks to Lila Locksley for another super-fun assignment! 

Below are ideas I submitted for this illustration.

The Chicken or the Egg?

Here's a drawing pondering that age-old question, 

Which came first? the Chicken or the Egg? 

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Muhammad Ali

At a recent artist reception, a lovely woman aproached me and expressed how much she liked a portrait I’d drawn of Muhammad Ali. Unfortunately, it had already sold, so she commissioned me to draw this new one. I must say, it’s always daunting to draw a legend. The original drawing, a tiny piece, is below.

Napoleon

On a recent visit to my local recycling center, I came across a mysterious book, Esoteric Astrology, which was published in 1913. It was filled with strange diagrams, as well as astrological charts of notable people. Drawn on a birth-chart, this portrait portrays a guy who'd would grow up to have a serious Napoleon complex.