Opening reception: November 9, 5:30-6:30

On view by appointment

100 Montessori Pl
Rensselaer, NY

A beloved toy can become an artifact that represents a personal history. When I'm trusted to paint a favorite childhood toy, my intent is to recognize and preserve a toy's significance in an unsentimental but painterly way, so that the artwork can be carried into the world of adult things even if the toy must be left behind, is lost, or decomposes beyond use. If I'm offered a glimpse of a toy’s history when I’m asked to paint it, the story fuels my work and I anticipate the emotions and memories will be evoked by it for the years to come. I take seriously the task of creating an artwork that preserves and honors its subject. With my ongoing series of portraits of classic toys, I hope to evoke a broader nostalgia for the toys we share with each other in our memories. 

The definition of “toy” can be expansive, and I’ve broadened the scope of my portraits of “classic toys” to reflect the fact that, for me, it often extends to the tools that inspire and facilitate music-making. Musicians tend to announce the acquisition of new gear by saying “I got a new toy!” Even though the object is a literal tool of their profession, it brings delight and fuels creativity like any good toy. The body of work represented here encompasses vintage playthings and iconic music gear that I find timeless and beautiful in both form and function.