Family Dinner

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My “Family Dinner” paintings show people sitting around a table talking, with ingredients for dinner on the table. These paintings come from an exploration of the small things in everyday life. The act of sitting down for a meal is simple and can be taken for granted, although recent world events have caused us to treasure it more.

I’m inspired by the work of Caravaggio, Kehinde Wiley, Eric Fischl, Van Gogh, Fritz Von Uhde, and others. Caravaggio’s “Supper at Emmaus” depicts the moment of shock as the disciples recognize the resurrected Jesus as he is blessing the food. They've been with him all day without seeing him really. This happens to us too, as we fail to fully see each other.

I'm also interested aspects of this topic that go beyond the interpersonal into the political and social realms. In a world that is deeply divided, how can we create a space for understanding? How can we learn to see each other in new ways? In my compositions there is space at the table for another person to sit. It is an invitation for the viewer to join the conversation at dinner.