Intro to African Mask Series

Intro to African Mask Series

Dec 5, 2000 | African Angels & Masks

The 1999-2000 Mask Series of oil paintings is based on a mask made by my son, Gabe. The African Angels and African Masks are a welcome departure from some of the more dark and serious subject matter I’ve done. As always, music often helps guide my directions in...
“Buffalo Soldier”

“Buffalo Soldier”

Jul 7, 2000 | Monuments

Part of the “Herd About Buffalo” campaign to raise money for Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Special thanks to Blake Kobee on this project.
“Angel” (1990)

“Angel” (1990)

Sep 5, 1999 | Other Works

I’ve always been an animal lover. Sometimes it seems magical to communicate with another creature. I see the earth as one day being inhabited only by humans. We’ll force all the animals into extinction in the name of progress. In my painting, an angel appears before a...
Other Themes

Other Themes

Sep 5, 1999 | Other Works

Substance is a significant word in my vocabulary. It represents the innermost depths of heart and soul. I strive for that level of truth in my art. Below are some earlier paintings, depicting feelings, exposing underlying realities, and hinting themes to come in later...
“Blood” (c.1983)

“Blood” (c.1983)

Sep 5, 1999 | Other Works

Originally intended as a statement against apartheid, this painting also portrays racial injustice as a universal disease.
“Main & Bailey” (1992)

“Main & Bailey” (1992)

Sep 5, 1999 | Other Works

Main and Bailey are streets that intersect just before the Veterans Healthcare facility, where I work. Often times, I’m caught at the stop light here. Working everyday with the elderly, ill and disabled patients is a tremendous challenge. I use this time to...
“Lumex Nightmare” (1992)

“Lumex Nightmare” (1992)

Sep 5, 1999 | Other Works

This is a painting of a patient I saw on the ward one morning. He was wearing a protective vest that restrained him to a Lumex chair, which is designed for hospital patients. As he struggled against the restraints, his temples were popping out and his nostrils flared,...
Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix

Sep 5, 1999 | Portraits

I have a very special place in my heart for Jimi Hendrix. He is art. His music and message will grow as time passes. In this painting, his image is within the body of his Stratocaster. The guitar is engulfed in flames.
Africa (1998)

Africa (1998)

Sep 5, 1999 | African Angels & Masks

This piece was done to the African beat of Manu Dibango and Fela Anikulapo Kuti. The energy of their music made it impossible for me to stop once I started.
“O. P. Frisco” (1998)

“O. P. Frisco” (1998)

Sep 5, 1999 | War Themes

Commissioned by one of the two survivors of the 29 Marines overrun by over 300 Chinese Troops in Korea on October 6th, 1952. In the collection of the Marine Corps Historical Museum in Washington, D.C.  
“Deceit” (c.1982)

“Deceit” (c.1982)

Sep 5, 1999 | War Themes

This is one of the many works on the POW/MIA issue, done both to raise public awareness and out of sheer frustration. As a Vietnam Veteran, I feel very strongly about the Americans still unaccounted for in Southeast Asia. [This work] is about the cover-ups and lies...
“POW” (1994)

“POW” (1994)

Sep 5, 1999 | War Themes

The emaciated figure in this painting holds out a bowl. Although he is dependant on his captors for food, the look in his eyes is that of defiance. In the Naval & Serviceman’s Park Museum, Buffalo, NY.
“Suicide” (c.1982)

“Suicide” (c.1982)

Sep 5, 1999 | War Themes

The broken image reflects the anguish in one’s heart before taking his own life. It was done in about the time it takes to squeeze the trigger. It’s one of the fastest pieces I’ve ever put together. Two fellow employees of the Buffalo Veteran’s...
Book Cover Art

Book Cover Art

Sep 5, 1999 | Covers & Posters, War Themes

This picture was used for the cover of the book Soldier’s Heart: Survivors’ View of Combat Trauma (Hansel, Steidle, Zaczek, & Zaczek, Sidran Press).  Some of the above images can be found within the book in black and white.