My dear sister Sarah Jane, having lived in New Orleans for more then two decades, became my ambassador to all things Mardi Gras. For the natives of New Orleans, the season is richly nuanced in culture and creativity. I learned from my sister which parades were best, the most ideal viewing locations, how to dress, necessary provisions, as well as how to traverse within and around parade routes, and most importantly, where to park. As do many, Sarah would spend the preceding year, making costumes. She took great pride in her creations, many of which were made from the parade throws she collected during past Mardi Gras seasons .
There is much that I have grown to love about the tradition of Mardi Gras, and in this series of paintings, I have tried to convey some of the beauty and theater of the event. Mardi Gras is an opportunity to express individual creativity en masse. It is a party, that is literally, the size of a city. Throughout, one will have hundreds of chance encounters with hitherto unknown individuals, generous, hilarious, and affirming in character - passing of swag, costume admiration, sharing of food, drink, humor, music and dance.
Sarah passed away two years ago. In many ways, making these paintings has helped me define and celebrate my sister, what she valued, and the amazing city that is New Orleans.
All of the paintings are based on photographs I took with Sarah
There is much that I have grown to love about the tradition of Mardi Gras, and in this series of paintings, I have tried to convey some of the beauty and theater of the event. Mardi Gras is an opportunity to express individual creativity en masse. It is a party, that is literally, the size of a city. Throughout, one will have hundreds of chance encounters with hitherto unknown individuals, generous, hilarious, and affirming in character - passing of swag, costume admiration, sharing of food, drink, humor, music and dance.
Sarah passed away two years ago. In many ways, making these paintings has helped me define and celebrate my sister, what she valued, and the amazing city that is New Orleans.
All of the paintings are based on photographs I took with Sarah