Inherited
Inherited is more than just a collection of paintings; it’s a deeply personal series that reflects my journey with manhood and my relationship with my father. Each piece symbolizes a key element of his influence on my life, both the good and the bad, the wisdom and the vices. When Mr. Hunter invited me to be a part of Jersey Gents, I knew I wanted to create something that would explore what manhood has meant to me.
The Ashtray
The ashtray was the piece I was most excited to finish. It has that darker element to it, representing our vices. We all have our vices, the bad habits that shape us just as much as the good ones. My dad had his own, the ashtray symbolizes the small habits that become a part of our day-to-day, the flaws we recognize in ourselves and others. It’s not just about smoking; it’s about the things we carry and pass on, for better or worse.
The Paintbrush
I’ll admit, the paintbrush was the piece I dreaded the most. I was nervous about how to execute it, and it was the last one I finished. For me, the paintbrush goes beyond just being a tool for work; it’s about creativity and hard work combined. My dad painted houses for a living, and as a kid, I often went with him on weekends. He’d hand me a brush and let me help with the trim or hard-to-reach places. The smell of acrylic paint still sticks with me. It’s one of those memories that connects you to someone in an almost tangible way. The paintbrush embodies not only the work we did together but the way he taught me to create.
The Steering Wheel
This one was for the road trips. My dad loved driving, working on cars, and racing. For me, the steering wheel represents the metaphorical journey of life, but also the literal ones we took together. Those car rides were some of the most intimate moments we shared. We talked about life, our grievances, our dreams. In fact, before he passed, we took one final road trip to North Jersey. I’m grateful for that last drive because it felt like a closing chapter, a final conversation that left no unresolved feelings between us.
The Fishing Rod
Fishing was one of my earliest memories with him. He’d wake me up at 3 a.m. and ask if I wanted to go. We’d ride our bikes from Ventnor to Longport and watch the sun rise while we fished. As I got older, it became his solitary activity, his way of finding therapy and peace. The fishing rod represents that calm, that therapy in solitude. It’s a reflection of the quieter side of him that I understood more as I got older.
The Box Cutter
Lastly, the box cutter is a symbol of protection and survival. My dad was always concerned about my safety. I remember being just six or seven years old when he showed me how to use a knife to protect myself. Growing up in Atlantic City, that was a lesson he felt was important. The box cutter represents his work in construction and painting, but it also stands for the way he prepared me for the harsh realities of the world.
The Creation of Inherited
The concept for Inherited came about when Mr. Hunter invited me to be a part of Jersey Gents. Initially, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to contribute. I had some larger works in progress, but they didn’t feel quite right for the show. Jersey Gents features male artists from New Jersey, so I saw this as an opportunity to explore themes of manhood through my own lens. I decided to use this platform to reflect on how my father influenced the man I’ve become, highlighting both the lessons I’ve inherited and the mistakes I’ve learned from.
