if people were animals
or
animals were people....
pen drawing, ca. 1994

right:
a little album of the animal spirits that haunt the halls of tiger mountain

the physical structure of “tiger mountain wildlife”, a composite of 6 small paintings framed in a box, has been developed into the

“block paintings” of 2013/14,

inter-active pieces where each block is removable - but the painting can also be hung on a wall without any pieces falling out of the box.

the schools where good things happen

i was moved to respond to the sandy hook shooting by making a series of little school paintings.

The little red school house represents a safe place. Like heaven. (above left)

Review of the show
“under my hat”, Grover”Thurston Gallery, Seattle, May & June 2013

Photos

tar paper shack, 2013. sold

i refer to the homestead act in my work often.
where i grew up, homesteads dotted the valley and surrounding hills.

homesteaders came there with hopes of a better life and some achieved that. many did not. they toiled the land and tried to make a living but Life was very hard in those days.

all that remains are a few weary apple trees and daffodil patches.

i paint little houses in the landscapes as a tribute to those pioneers.

a man who dreams of  a tree.
a tree who dreams of a bird.
a bird who dreams of a man.