The model exists "for" the photographer. The model is used by the photographer for commercial, informational, or pleasurable purposes. On the other hand, the artist exists "for" the model.

The model does not exist in the photo. What I see is the absence of the person, and, in most cases, the absence of blemishes and imperfections. I see that the person actually existed and has been there where I see her. It is an illusion and false on the levels of perception and knowing. We are so consumed by this phenomenon that everything is transformed into images; only images are real and worthy of our attention. People that we meet at work, in stores, in restaurants are gloomy and uninteresting. We live according to this generalized repertoire that images are livelier than real people and are the only things worthy of consumption.

Contemporary society consumes images whereas those of the past consumed art. It is more liberal, less knowledgeable, and, unfortunately, very unauthentic.

What I intentionalize in a photograph is neither art nor communication, but a reference, which is the founding order of photography. The image refers to a person who has been placed in front of a lens at a particular place and time. Photographers attempt to transcend this limitation by reproducing the image ad nauseum; the greater the number of views, the greater the importance. It is amusing and predictable to see which images get the greatest views on Model Mahem, for instance. Crotch and butt shots certainly. Nudes, for sure.

The photograph never reveals the truth of a person. How could it, since the person is never disclosed. The painting, on the other hand, is a complete disclosure. It is an absolute singularity. It can be copied and reproduced, but it remains singular in its substance. There might have been a model, but that is not important, for the painting transcends the model and refers only to itself. A painted portrait, for example, does not compel the viewer to seek, desire, or possess the model like in a photograph. It is unadulterated and stands alone in absolute singularity.

A good analogy is the love that develops between two humans as being different than what they “loved” about the person in the beginning of the relationship. It is a need that develops creatively as one lives and interacts with the actual person, not ideas about the person.

The artist exists "for" the model. The artist forms a special bond with the model by creating from scratch on canvas a special image that is given back to the model as a gift, a special, handmade impression.

Art has a mission to show humans how to be creative in life rather than consumers of images that can be turned on and off, to be humans rather than machines.

Best of Show, Orlando Museum of Art Competition, Orlando, FL 2021
2d Place, Orlando Museum of Art Competition, Orlando, FL 2019
1st Place, Space Coast Art Festival, Viera, FL 2018
Merit Award, Melbourne Art Festival, FL, 2015.
Second Place, The Avenue Art Show, Viera, FL, 2015
Merit Award, 2013 All Florida Art Competition and Exhibition, Boca Museum of Art, FL.
Exhibitor, 2010 & 2013 All Florida Competition and Exhibition, Boca Museum of Art, Boca Raton, FL.
Best of Show, Central Brevard Art Association Exhibition, 2011, 2012.
Art in Public Places exhibitions, Brevard Cultural Alliance, 2010-13.
Exhibitor, Nude Nite Art Shows, Orlando, FL, 2012-2019.

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