Angry White Men II – Further Explorations of the Face of Evil
Visual Space Gallery, 3352 Dunbar Street, Vancouver
March 14 – 27, 2019
Noon–5 PM daily

I began the series Angry White Men in late 2016, sparked by the sudden wide-spread enabling of racism, anti-Semitism, anti-immigrant violence, and anti-LGBTQ+ hatred that followed the U.S. election, as well as the simultaneous rise of the visible, public fascist demonstrator in both the US and Europe.

In setting out to paint these people and their rage, I sought not to glorify, but to warn – and perhaps – to nudge us to ponder: “why?” and “why now?”.

I decided that, as a white man, it would be presumptuous of me to paint the victims of these angry white men. However, I could legitimately explore “my kind”: the violent white perpetrators and their fury, ignorance and, all too frequently, mental illness and social failure. More importantly, I could also shine a bright light on those successful and intelligent white men who – with cold detachment – work to influence, manipulate and profit from their angry white brethren.

Please come and stand strong, staring them down, refusing to let them win.

Join me at the reception Saturday March 16, 5-7 pm or drop by and visit during the two-week exhibit. I should be there every day noon-5 pm with coffee and cookies.

The evolution of an “Angry White Man” painting
These are multi-layered works. The largest are painted on a type of hardboard: engineered wood made of steam-cooked and pressure-moulded wood fibres in a process patented by William H. Mason (hence “masonite”). The surface is covered with six coats of acrylic gesso. I then create what I think of as a “cave wall” – a thick layer of unevenly tinted white acrylic paint laid on with a pallet knife that when dry has the random texture of a stone wall. On that I paint a finely drawn underpainting. Then layer upon layer of glazes and scumbles, and further glazes. Please see the evolution of a painting by clicking through the thumbnails below.

Exhibition at Visual Space Gallery
September 12 – 25, 2019
Reception Saturday September 14, 5-7 pm

For those who prefer landscapes! I’ve started work on my September exhibition titled Island Paintings. There will be several series of works based on the Gulf Islands, Vancouver Island and the Discovery Islands, in particular Quadra Island, to which I return yearly. Please pencil the date on your calendar now and I look forward to seeing you.