"Kiss Kiss", 2006, 160 x 180 cm, Acrylic on canvas

"Unwinding with Max Ernst", 2006, 160 x 209cm, Acrylic on canvas

This painting was inspired by the fascinating life of German Artist Max Ernst, one of the original artists in the Dada movement of the 1920´s and Godfather of the surrealists.
Captured by the Nazis and placed in a concentration camp whilst living in France, rescued by the allies and moved to the States only to be held on Ellis Island. Peggy Guggenheim eventually secured his release and they married in 1942.
During his stay in the U.S he felt more at home in the wilds of Arizona than within the competitive American arts scene.
Built a house in the wilderness and became interested in the plight and rituals of the Hopi Indians. Another source of inspiration for Max Ernst was the unique landscape that surrounded him.
After his divorce from Peggy Guggenheim he married Dorothea Tanning and in 1953 resettled in Paris, where he died in 1976.

"Wormhole", 2006, 160 x 189cm, Acrylic on canvas

"Adopting the Views of your Television News ?", 2006, 160 x 160cm, Acrylic on canvas

"BAYON (5-30 AM)", 2006, 165 x 120cm, Acrylic on canvas

"BAYON (5-30 PM)", 2006, 165 x 120cm, Acrylic on canvas

The smiling Buddha image at Bayon Temple is within the Angkor complex of Wats (temples) near Siem Riep in Cambodia. Tropical jungle reclaimed the site, until it was discovered last century. This mix of nature and exotic culture is wonderous and powerful.

My first trip there was in 1993 and very few tourists were around back then. This added gravity to the experience for sure, especially as random pops of gunfire echoed in the distance (from the still active Khmer Rouge). My anxiety faded away when I saw the 13th Century Bayon ahead. Inside the Temple a multitude of huge Buddha heads look down from all directions. As the light of day changes, the mystical energy and appearance of the smiling Buddhas also transforms.

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"Birth of Blobism", 2006, 165 x 162cm, Acrylic on canvas

"Equinox", 2006, 162 x 203cm, Acrylic on canvas

"Liquid Sunshine Dancer ", 2006, 162 x 191cm, Acrylic on canvas

As many of you know San Francisco is a place very dear to my heart. I was looking at some old footage of a psychedelic happening there circa 1967/68 and when I saw the energy of the crowd I wanted to try and capture some of that special vibe.