08/04/2026
First, I found the story.
While exploring Houston, my eye was caught by a blue fire hydrant standing in front of a mural showing a dragon winding its way across the wall.
The scene fascinated me. It made me think of the dragons we carry within us, fears, doubts, and thoughts that keep running through our minds and hold us back.
I photographed that moment and titled the image “Mind Reel.”
Later, in my studio, I revisited the same story through a painting.
I translated the colors of the original scene into “Mind Reel – A1.” The weathered blue of the fire hydrant formed the foundation, while shades of pink, green, and red, along with white accents, reflected the mural and the emotions it evoked.
I applied layers, scraped away, painted over, and revealed open spaces, so that the orderly forms of the photo dissolved into the movement of thoughts and feelings.
The photo preserves the story I discovered.
The painting preserves the feeling that this story sparked in me.
Two works of art. One journey, from confronting the dragon to letting go.
Which speaks to you first: the photo or the painting?
