Restraint and Revolution

Restraint & Revolution celebrates self-expression. Each amazing model in this series is tied with a unique form of corsetry as a symbol of their own personal ties. I have always adored corsets. There’s something timeless about them. I’ve found them everywhere, from Chinese rope bindings, to Hawaiian armor, to European bustiers. When I see a corset, I see a very long history cinched together with intention. In America, what was once a chaste under-garment, imposed upon women, is now naughty lingerie. What was once a hidden secret is now worn over our clothes.

Restraint & Revolution is a portrait series examining a small handful of amazing and innovative people. Each person represents, in their own way, a part of the rich cultural scene carrying us into the new millenium. Restraint & Revolution takes a deep look at what binds us expressively, sexually, and spiritually, and it looks at how we grow.

Incorporating elements of Classical Realism, I heat up the old world techniques to form Evocative Art. Each portrait takes over 100 hours to complete, using only archival quality Belgian Linen, the under-drawings follow the vesica piscis with Palo Santo charcoal. Combining Gamblin® oils and gold leaf, I then infuse my paints or varnish with unorthodox ingredients like hemp oil, whiskey, peyote, or blood, depending on the cultural lifestyle of my subject.