Generally speaking, I lead a happy existence; I strive to fully appreciate my relationships and I’m relatively satisfied with the path my life has taken thus far. Looking back, I remember an upbringing in an idyllic environment that allowed me to view my future as full of possibility.
A childhood exposure to superhero comic books, television and movies littered with various male archetypes still impacts my perception of masculinity. A genetic heritage, not all that far removed from that of our caveman ancestors, remains an underlying yet equally strong influence. A multiplicity of media still provides a constant presence of a fantasy life, quietly playing in the background, yet to be attained. These influences slowly and subtly undermine a perfectly rational sense of contentment.
The promises, not of products and money, but of a better life, can be easily dismissed as unreal, fantastic, and merely shallow propaganda. Yet they manage to slowly stain the subconscious and seep into the waking world to seem vaguely possible or just out of reach. These are the “what ifs” that we all wonder about. This work is a representation of those pervasive fantasy images seamlessly and inseparably co-existing with the rational conscious reality of navigating contemporary life.