Description:

In concept, Proof of Life started as an inquiry into the utility of pain and suffering.

However, the question was actually resolved (in my own mind) as I started this painting, ultimately resulting in an abstract expressionistic depiction of Heartache... providing proof of life.

What suddenly became apparent is that discomfort, in its many forms, provides a direct experiential comparison and contrast to pleasure, which only together complete the scale we use to measure our experiences as good or bad.

More importantly, perhaps, is the idea that suffering may actually enable us to more deeply appreciate our pleasures (no matter how large or small).

After all, could we truly hold experiences such as falling in love in such high regard, if we had no concept of what it meant to be without, or, to want and be denied?