"Beneath the Surface" oil on canvas 2007. I will say this is my least favorite subject matter of all because it's the hardest. Every time I moved drastically I always thought about home and would I ever go back. I remember growing up in disbelief at how cruel people could be. It bothered me so much that I made it a point every chance I got to be the kindest to the least suspecting just because I hoped for the same.The south toughens you early on. But if I've learned anything about the depths of people, there comes a lot of pinned up truths that no one wants to own. I always found this fascinating that one little act of kindness could change a persons life. The world is a scary place at times with this vicious cycle and I try my best to scratch beneath the surface. I find that using my openness to make others feel comfortable to do the same helps with the process. Getting through ones walls or politics is a tough job I take on when I feel it worth it. I use long time friendships as proof that once you get past those layers people are beautiful creatures who love you for going through that phase and are able to live life in love as friends. People are simple humans if we let them be but this is an internal battle on a solitary path. If we choose to take it whether in daily routine or from time to time, we learn better ways to exhale the bullshit of the world. The times are in turmoil of ongoing issues that seem to never find justice. I wish we could scratch beneath the surface to get to the root of the true issue of today. I say meet new and interesting people. Stop them in their path and find out who they really are by opening up yourself first to the idea. Then hold on for the ride of life. It's so easy with technology to be any where in this world yet connect as if your neighbor, but it depends on your own perspective to wanting people in your life. Love is a powerful entity when we do get beneath our surface, let people in to love when we have a hard time loving ourselves. Thus why "Beneath the Surface" is a marker in my lifetime as reminder of why it's worth it.