Half my time, I spend doing commissioned work and most of these are portraits. There's something about the tradition of portraits that I love. There's something about messing with that tradition that I love even more. Infusing an old idea and making it vibrant and modern.
I'm excited by the reasons people want a portrait. I've done commissioned work for a husband's graduation, to commemorate the birth of a first child - weddings, anniversaries, new homes (even one for a divorce) - a few that insisted there was no reason at all. And more than once to capture those rare moments when siblings stop fighting and express their love for each other.
In all cases, I'm intent on understanding the subject in a way that celebrates the best in them - finding
beauty in the real.
And yes, sock puppet commissions are always fun - I"ll even help you find a phrase.
Kyra, Zoe and Max
Oil on wood, 52" x 35", 2007
