In recent months I have been contemplating contemporary issues that breakdown our ability to be present. It seems that the increase in technology, such as cell phones and artificial intelligence, can be productive yet damaging. They can take us to faraway places where we aren’t present to others or thinking properly. The same can be said for other aspects of life that we greatly enjoy.

Waste No Time, Not Time to Waste, Time Wasted, A Happiest Hour, Haith Purpose – a Scottish oath or curse meaning “gifted” – was originally based on a thought of overdoing and a lack of presence and less productivity. The few I spoke with regarding the background balked at the idea. It can be a touchy subject. Happy hour is a wonderful time to connect with friends and family. Our world is full of good and evil. It’s up to each individual to interpret, decide and act. I always invite the viewer to decipher my work. See what YOU see. Give it your story.

This mixed media piece is created with paper, playfully curated wine bottle labels and acrylic paint. Curvaceous wine glasses create an hourglass. Red wine replaces the moving sands of time. Wine bottles shimmer in glass reflections. Colorful corks fill the background with the celebration and movement of a gumball machine. It’s happy hour somewhere. Make it a good one.