Poems by my brother

My brother Bryan and I have been collaborating since 2003.  He comes to my studio while I'm painting and writes poetry about the work at various stages of the process.

We have just published a book featuring the work for my upcoming solo show entitled "Softly I Tread", featured at Gross McCleaf gallery in Philadelphia.  You can preview our entire book here.

Flutter, oil on canvas, 36" x 36", 2009

Uncertain 

Flutters

A dark sky and a strong wind;

blowing trees or leaves?

I cannot tell from here.

Windswept or swaying?

Is also not quite clear.

Defiant or playful,

uncaring or helpless,

I cannot tell from where I sit.

One way or another,

hope is the theme of it.

Trapeze III, oil on canvas, 34" x 72", 2010

A Conversation 

Parent mine, why are you so tall?

I have sunk deep roots,

drank much life and so great height attained.

Parent mine, why is your shadow so wide?

I have spread my boughs, far and wide,

not keeping to myself.

Parent mine, you are so tall and your shadow so wide,

why then does your back bend so?

Child mine, I bend low to earth

to catch your every word.