JD Salinger

JD Salinger was a master of social distancing, living a reclusive life in New Hampshire. I imagine his ghost is still eluding us, hidden amongst the birch trees of this granite state.

Dolly Parton

She’s larger than life, to an iconic degree. I simply couldn’t fit this portrait, in just Tennessee. Born in a one-room cabin in Appalachia, Dolly Parton would grow up to master country and bluegrass music, acting, and business. Her efforts to promote literacy, along with her support for the LBGTQ community, have shown her to be a true humanitarian.

Signed prints of this portrait are available here!

Zadie Smith

Here’s a portrait of noted author, Zadie Smith, who was born and raised in London. Her novel, White Teeth, is my younger daughter’s favorite book.  

Signed prints of this piece are available here!

Bob Marley

In this time of social isolation, music has the power to connect us to the collective human spirit. It’s been helpful for me to listen to this artist, who’s all the way from Trenchtown, Jamaica. I you're all taking good care of yourselves!

Frederick Douglass

Out of a fractured nation, a slave would rise to find his North Star.  Free from bondage, he would eloquently speak out for abolition, women’s rights, and desegregation. The father of civil rights,  Frederick Douglass 

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!