I started with a green oil base, trying to build a tone of growth and inspiration. Layering in more reds, golds, and blacks to find figures and stories built within an upside down Empire State Building.
 
The painting is inspired by a distinct irony I observed while walking through NYC recently, such tall buildings and beautiful cities to look up at and admire, my eyes skyward. I found however, that so many often walk with heads down, so quickly, such rushing everywhere. It’s as if the cities loom over looking down on them, pulling the excitement away, and replacing it with anxiety, crushed dreams, whatever it may be. I’ve felt this way personally with my own career. I’ve for years obsessed over what my “style” was, how i would stand out, feeling often overlooked, sports, school, the arts, whatever it may be. Charging forward amidst fears of whatever it may be, is my experience. Standing upright and asking which way is up…? or how can i be unique, different? what is my style? who am i to the world? or myself? These may require courage, but the answer lies in the continual perpetuation of that very question.