Avante Garde / Garbage Abstracts

Mamaroneck, NY Note: Composed from garbage consisting of discarded ductwork, bolts, the remains of a rubber spacer ring, and toy cars. The duct pipes and horizontal, vertical and curvy lines represent the highway and street grid and the endless possibilities that lie ahead contingent upon the road taken, the toy cars represent rush hour traffic while the duct work on the left resembles a muffler and tailpipe. The orangey-brown earthen tones represent the colors of the sky during the waning hours of the day while the traces of purple and blue represent the approaching dusk. The shades of gray represent an urban setting where traffic jams are most prevalent. Last, if we make a good choice for travel or have an easy rush hour commute, safe return to our families and loved ones and/or chance to wind down from the hectic activities of the day over dinner, a glass of wine, TV or hobby, as the face indicates – there is reason to smile!

Larchmont, NY Note: Created from garbage and litter found on the street that included several checkers, some of which had been damaged by moving vehicles. The warm pastel colors are intended to present an atmosphere of comfort and calm. The olive and brown tones represent our interconnectedness to nature and each and every ecosystem on the planet. The abstract shapes and forms represent our indigenous stature with regard to the Earth based on our creation from “the dust of the ground” [Genesis 2:7] that is inclusive of each and every race and gender – “He gave you… diversity of tongues and colors” [Qu’ran: The Romans 30:22]. Because of this, it is imperative we protect our planet and its interconnected ecosystems and human rights for “What should it matter that one bowl is dark and the other pale, if each is of good design and serves its purpose well.” [Hopi (North American Indian) Proverb: Polingaysi Qoyawayma]. The joy arises when harmony between peoples and humanity and nature exist.

Mamaroneck, NY Note: The soft colors represent harmony between technology – most notably Artificial Intelligence (AI) and humanity with the hope that technology improves standards of living through economic innovation, advancements in healthcare and solutions for climate change. The soft oranges and reds represent hope for a kinder, gentler and more loving world where people respect diversity in all its forms and put aside weapons of war and the primitive mindset that courage and valor are uniquely and solely synonymous with combat and warfare when in fact courage and valor are also synonymous with conscientious objection and the refusal to take up arms to preserve peace and the very trait that ought to differentiate intelligent forms of life, "human," in this instance from all other forms – acts too that entail great risk and sacrifice, often resulting in loss of property and quality of life through persecution and refugee status, loss of freedom through unjust imprisonment, loss of reputation through slanderous attacks and even loss of life itself through unconscionable acts of violence and "executions." The abstract patterns represent the unlimited possibilities of our dreams while the linear patterns represent software coding and innovation that bring technological advancement and scientific discovery to fruition. This work of art was created using a few simple discarded items – wooden boards, insulator, bolts, a hydraulic spacer ring, and torn rubber spacer ring.

Mamaroneck, NY Note: Created to represent the dark winter of 2020-21 due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has led to record hospitalizations, numerous shutdowns, and most tragically of all – 1.05 million deaths worldwide and 248,000 deaths in the USA from 1 December 2020-27 February 2021 alone, figures that don't account for excess deaths related to COVID-19. This digital work of art was created using pandemic-related garbage (a discarded face mask and rubber glove) as well as various other pieces of garbage found over the last month that was placed over the darkest and dirtiest of snow I could find – so black in some places one wouldn’t recognize it as snow. The abundance of black and gray represents the darkness of this winter and the collective mourning the pandemic has brought. The white snowflake and splotch of white snow in the upper right corner represent hope, the flower symbolizes remembrance of all who lost their lives during this pandemic and the splash of reds serve a duo purpose. They both represent "toxic" snow since COVID-19 is clearly toxic to our well being, as well as health and life for we will overcome, we will prevail, and we will LIVE! COVID-19 Stats - Worldometers: www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/#countries

Mamaroneck, NY The broken and scattered rocks symbolize the aftermath of the Rock in Horeb when Moses struck it as instructed. The blues and purple represent the outflowing of water as promised when the rock in Horeb was split. The blue color represents flowing water and our individual and unique introspective and spiritual journeys through life as well as our desire to soak up insight and knowledge while the rocks represent much needed strength and stability to address the many challenges and adversities in life as we thirst for peace and justice amidst the violence and injustice in our world. The smiling face represents the joy attained when our great thirst is relieved through acts of love, deeds of compassion, moments of peace and the attainment of greater understanding through learning and experience.

Mamaroneck, NY Abstract work created from various discarded objects – pieces of a broken incandescent light bulb, a microwave door with intact patterned glass, an electrical outlet cover and wires. The title denotes the color red from the French word rouge . The dominate red color in conjunction with the various circles represent enduring love (in fact according to the Urban dictionary, a rouge “is the sweetest person you will ever meet… a person who will always love you…” regardless of circumstances and individual flaws, someone whom should be cherished and something worth pursuing), lasting health, which is so relevant during these pandemic times, and eternal life. The abundance of red also represents passion, strength and fortitude. At the same time, the outlet cover represents a means of release since it is within each of us to unleash love, passion and good and in doing so, beautifying the planet in the same way cosmetics beautify the face. Also, considering rouge, is also a powder used to polish glass, metal and gems, the metal microwave oven door with its intact glass and the diamond pattern in the center of this work are fitting. At the same time, the splashes of earthen tones and green reinforce the concept of life and its preciousness. Last, the happy face represents the joy red represents through love, vitality, and good health.

Wakiki Beach, Wakiki, Oahu, Hawai’i This digital composition was created from garbage and litter found on Wakiki Beach along with an untarnished Pua Melia blossom that had fallen from the branches above. The title Edena was selected because Hawai’i is a “paradise” on earth and delightful refuge from many of the world’s problems. The chosen colors are filled with symbolism. Green (Omao) represents compassion, refreshment, the abundance of lush plants that cover the Hawai’ian Islands and well as life and love since per the Hawai’ian proverb, “Hāʻawi ke aloha i ke ola i loko” – “Love gives life within.” The eight red (ula’ula) dots on the domino represent the eight Hawai’ian Islands and the lava from the volcanic activity that had created them as well as passion. The splotches of yellow (melemele) represent the refreshing wind that comes off the Pacific as well as the Island of Oahu. The pastel whites (keʻokeʻo) and browns (palaunu) represent the sands on Hawai’ia’s coasts while the splotches of black (eleʻele) represent lava rock and black sand newly created by the continuous and active volcanic activity of the islands. The tinge of blue (polu) in the capital letter “B” represents the nearby ocean as well as health. At the same time, the Pua Melia (Plumeria) on the left is the floral symbol of Hawai’I used to create leis, that represents new beginnings, beauty, forgiveness, and life. The peach coloration on the Pua Melia represent comfort, warmth, and joy – which are epitomized by the smiling face. Finally the Japanese characters on the discarded chop sticks and product label represent harmony and cultural diversity based on the Hawi'ian saying, "Aloha does not discriminate!" With that said, “Aloha i nā mea āpau āu e ʻike ai a mau a mau ke aloha” – “Love all that you see and may our love last forever.”

Mamaroneck, NY Created from garbage and litter consisting of metal shards, plastic mats and other debris to provide a much needed smile during these challenging times of COVID and war and to honor Psalm 72:3 written c. 700-500 BCE in reference to King Solomon who brought in an era of peace and prosperity in Israel from c. 970-931 BCE - hence the title 72:3 . "Let there be peace!" [Psalm 72:3 ERV]

Mamaroneck, NY