People With No Names - The Undocumented #91

I have done two new paintings, (16" x 20" oil on canvas), and I have been thinking about undocumented immigrants and that series of childrens' books "Where's Waldo?"  Waldo books encourage children to search among crowd scenes for a tiny "Waldo" who is always dressed the same and easily recognizable...presumably these books really encourage visual literacy/careful observation.  In this painting there is an undocumented man doing landscape work.  He is barely distinguishable from his surroundings.  And that's the way he wants it.  He does not want you to identify him and pick him out.

People With No Names - The Undocumented #69

This oil on canvas is 2' x 5'. This is not the whole painting...top and bottom are cut off. But the gist of this image is that there is literally tons of food to be harvested (and consumed) in this country. A certain undocumented demographic (very vulnerable) is doing this work... yet many of them are not able to feed their own families, while they toil amidst this plethora of produce. This image is meant to convey, that certain people are our arms, our legs, our backs.

Doubting Artist #4

Last night I had a gathering at my house, I let people roam all over my house (like I always do...open home, etc.)I let people wander into my studio and look at my painting in progress, my very personal and meaningful paintings that are an attempt to put a face on the undocumented immigrants and their plight. I am sure that it was well meant, ( and an effort to identify with me) but people told me stories of relatives "who just decided to take up painting, with no training, call themselves "naifs" and of course had multiple gallery reps and made lots of money! Wow. My face smiled and nodded at that person's good fortune, and my brain said, "Whaaat?" I've been seriously painting for years and...well that story is not my story. Oh but wait, that is not why I do what I do! I do what I do because I am compelled to be a part of the ongoing human conversation, using art as my vehicle. I am thankful in these recent months to be able to bring my painting into the service of a cause and to hopefully make good paintings as well.

People With No Names - The Undocumented #5.

Eight families from Central America and Mexico share and farm this six acre organic raspberry and strawberry farm.

People With No Names - The Undocumented #4.

Notice the American flag in the background. This part of the U.S.A. used to be part of Mexico.

People With No Names - The Undocumented #3.

This man was moving stones into a real estate agent's Lexus in Tucson. It was 108 degrees outside.

People With No Names - The Undocumented #3

Cleaning ladies from Chihuahua, Mexico.

Hard working.

Taxpayers.

People With No Names - The Undocumented #3

Hard working man.  Has lived in Tucson four years.  Has not seen his family, wife, and three children, for four years.  Sends money home every Friday night so his children can go to school.