I’ve been working on this Medieval Pittsburgh show for three years. I’ve been thinking about the medieval categories like knights, kings, bloodsport, etc. that still linger around despite the intervening enlightenment, world wars, and physical distance. There are pieces of Medieval Europe that are alive in Pittsburgh even though Pittsburgh doesn’t have a Medieval past. There’s a reason that this stuff captures our imagination, that it exerts a powerful pull on our assertively modern, seemingly disenchanted life. Despite having a series of mayors that no one can remember, everyone knows that Andrew Carnegie created Pittsburgh as we know it. He looms large as the remembered founding figure in spite of the actual history of this area.

I made this for people to enjoy and engage with- I really want people to see it. If you’ve never been to an art show- this is for you. If you love going to art shows- why not come to mine? I think that paintings are, first, communication. There’s will be a real a great space here for engagement- to think and enjoy. Some of the paintings are half in/half out jokes- the serious kind. I’ve put a lot of thought and depth in each work- I think anyone who comes will have a great time mining out interesting thoughts.

Also, for what it’s worth, I think about kids when I make my paintings. If you, like me, have kids- bring them along and have them see the paintings. Good news: There’s knights and castles- sea monsters, angels, football, bizarre maps, and the three wise men. It’ll be a great time for everybody.