Through my paintings I hope to bring representation to queer humans through the lens of small town Texas. I'm drawn to the duality of bigotry and romance that sits below the surface of beautiful iconic town squares found throughout Texas. The sun at magic hour casts deep dramatic shadows, unspoken secrets abound. The enchantment is as palpable as the repression.
I imagine what life for queer individuals such as my wife and I might be living in a small Texas town. We visit towns not far from Austin, to wander around and take photographs, often subduing our relationship for fear of being harassed. There's no indication of acceptance—no rainbow flags or stickers. Instead we see Ted Cruz campaign signs displayed prominently in store windows on main streets. No gender neutral bathrooms here.
I paint stories of queer individuals and couples that encapsulate the desperation and loneliness of the queer experience in Texas. To be queer and in love in small town Texas feels lonely, dangerous and passionate all at once.
I find inspiration from historical photographs of queer couples found online and in books. The characters themselves are drawn from my imagination. I've been painting humans such as these since as long as I can remember and I have only recently started painting them again with more purpose.
I use acrylic paint in an illustrative style.