The creation of successful visual art requires not only the ability to see – but also the curiosity to observe – to desire an understanding of the subject matter on a deeper level and to attribute a meaning from this observation. A true representational artist successfully translates a believable subject to the viewer, and concurrently stimulates an interest that goes beyond the subject, inspiring the viewer to reflect on a more profound meaning. I use people as my subject manner, as they have always been fascinating to me – so complex and contradictory – strong and vulnerable, tragic and beautiful, chaotic and simple – all at once. Oil as a medium allows me to capture the richness of the human being – to relay the nuances that make up individuals and distinct personalities – and to play off the intuition I have developed over a lifetime of interest in this subject. Great art goes beyond the surface and moves its viewers to a place of emotional and rational stimulation – to a place of wonder and reflection, and hunger for more. It’s this process that we, as human beings, go through in an attempt to make sense of the world we live in – in a constant struggle for meaning. This task might be an impossibility, but our journey will infinitely be enriched for having experienced it.