somnambulized eyes

Your questions seem to be aimed at an artist, but I consider myself, in all the work that I do, to be a journalist and documenter. It’s interesting to me that you would use the word “interpretation” here — would you say a photographer is similarly “interpreting” the scene when they take a photo, or are they documenting it? My Occupy paintings are paintings of actual events, actual people; they are not changed or exaggerated to make a point. My work doesn’t comment on the connection between “criminal” behavior and freedom of expression, the importance of public space; I don’t see my work as interrogating the concept of what’s legal. My goal as always is to document accurately. While I certainly create the frame, I use commentary and quotes from protesters, counter protesters, city officials and police instead of my own words to accompany the art for this reason. The “inspirations behind [my] work” are the same as they would be for any other journalist: real events, especially visually powerful ones. Personal proximity plays a huge part in my work, just as it would for any other journalist — I need to be close in order to interview people and witness events. Again, I consider myself a journalist, not really an artist; painting is the medium for some, but not all, of my journalism, because it has a tremendous and unique power to tell true stories in a different way.

FYI — Not quite ready to resume media briefings this week. So just wanted to give you a heads up so you can plan accordingly. We are still catching up after the work furlough during the holidays.