Dark Visitors

When I was a child I saw faces in the dark. They would swirl around me in the most horrifying contortions; ripping apart, eyes widening, sometimes opening over me to swallow me whole.

My parents would try to comfort me by saying they were shadows, or that my mind was playing tricks on me. I was taken to a psychiatrist , who I innocently thought was a good listener. He promptly diagnosed me with childhood schizophrenia; incorrectly I think now.

My grandmother ; a commanding, mystical woman who lived in the woods on the St George peninsula of Maine, gave me the most effective advice. " Stare them down" she said. I did.

I have since learned the phenomena known as pattern recognition, coupled with a child's wild imagination, was most likely the cause of my nightly turmoil...I guess. Whatever the case, I have since channeled my visions into my art; often working on black or colored paper to bring forward the creatures I see within. This particular piece, titled "Dark Visitors" has gone through quite a few transformations; here are some recent pictures without photo manipulation. (They look different in person)

This piece and others can now be viewed at the Hive Gallery (hivegallery.com for location, hours, and events) on Spring Street in downtown Los Angeles. I am one of many artists there, the Hive is huge. ;

(My work in the middle my brothers drawings on the top right)