Ditch
2024. Acrylic, charcoal, paper on canvas. 12 x 12 in.

The ditch is a lowly creature. Not only is it, by definition, beneath ground level, it is also generally beneath popular interest or consideration. And on those rare occasions when it is considered, it often barely ranks above the contemptible. After all, if you’re condemned to dig in one you will surely never get rich.

But it is not only humble. It can also be troublesome, even hazardous, a featured character in a variety of classic mishaps and misadventures. We are aware it is not good to drive into one, or to get drunk and tumble into one in the dark. And it plays a role in more sinister or even tragic fates — pity the soul who must hide in a ditch, or, worst of all, die in one.

But I see a ditch the same way I did as a child: an interesting dent in the ground, created for some mysterious purpose and probably having water in it. And if you’re lucky, maybe pollywogs.

Ditch is one of the Air collection of acrylics that I’ve been developing since 2024 and have now finally posted on my website.

Coming up: I will have work in the new show that opens Dec 5 at the Desert Art Center in Palm Springs, running through February 1. Opening reception is this Friday from 5-7.

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