Speak No Evil
This series depicts children wearing Elizabethan ruff collars. However, rather than worn around the neck, these are placed around the subject’s mouths. This idea derived from the ancient Japanese proverb of the Three Monkeys “Hear no evil, See no evil and Speak no evil,” as well as the common saying that “children should be seen and not heard.” The paintings in the series all contain another symbolic element (eyes, birds, bugs…etc) contained within the collar that present an uncomfortable challenge for each of the unique subjects.
As children our environments and experiences play such a great role in how we develop as adults. We are at the mercy of the adults we are born to and entrust those who come into our lives. The series hopes to conjure many thoughts and emotions from the viewer and each will bring their own life experiences to the work.
