Without a Balloon

Created in 2017, Without a Balloon is I pieced I created when experimenting with oil on wood using with an acrylic spray primer. I was interested in seeing the impact an acrylic spray primer would have on the painting over time – as opposed to the usual gesso primer.

In May of 2017, I was evicted from my home. It was a difficult decision determining what to place into my Mini Cooper as I took to the road. I opted for clothing, my Magic the Gathering collection, necessary electronics, and my art tools and paintings. I was kicked out of homes more than once so I have a selection of paintings that survived living inside a vehicle for a period of six months.

Without a Balloon is one of those paintings.

During the Covid19 crisis, as Milwaukee opened up some of its retail stores and began expanding their headcount limit on public transit; I had some free time on my hands again. I made my way to a local art store, acquired some varnish, and applied it to this painting.

It looks amazing. On close inspection; you can see the cracks in the paint that were acquired due to age and storage conditions. The painting itself brings an overwhelming sense of desire, but it’s difficult to tell what it is.

The title, ‘Without a Balloon’ suggests that there’s a balloon that’s missing, but I question the entity. Is that a person?