"Amy" - Tribute Series

The series of "Tribute" paintings is in memory of my father, who passed away in April, 2016.  He was a man of deep faith, strong convictions and devotion for his family.  After service in the Marines in Camp LeJuene, NC  following college, he started his professional career as an engineer.  As a child, I was always amazed by his hands - they were large and strong, and to me, could always fix things: cars, plumbing, repairs big and small; practically anything that needed attention in our home.   My favorite Christmas was the year that he crafted a miniature wardrobe and vanity set for my Barbie.  Inside it, I found a frock for my doll made by my mother, with remnants from a dress she had made for herself. It was the perfect gift.

I have been exploring the medium of cold wax missed with oil paint, which can be used for collaging purposes.  For this tribute series, bits of paper that my father used for notes on his woodworking and financial records have been embedded into each painting, in honor of my sister, Amy, and my brothers, Steve, and Bill, Jr.  The twisted cross format just presented itself as a manifestation of our dad's faith, his most enduring legacy.