The series reimagines childhood wooden alphabet blocks through adult subject matter, while retaining subtle references to the visual language of the early learning objects.
Across the series, I employ varied painting techniques and stylistic approaches, shifting between illusionistic realism, naïve rendering, and visible brushwork and material texture. Each work is constructed from two joined canvases one presenting the painted surface (the adult experience) and the other often revealing the raw reverse or "ghostly" imprint of the childhood theme. A 3D wooden corresponding alphabet block is integrated into each structure, anchoring the abstract concepts in physical reality. All the artworks are approximately 12 x 15 inches, oriented either horizontally, vertically or diagonally.

When exhibited together, the 26 works function as a single installation rather than discrete paintings. The progression from letter to letter creates a rhythm that moves between playful recognition and darker associations.

Some combinations are purposely ironic or jarring.

For example, the letter P is represented by the adult image of a pistol and is paired with the children’s version of a pig. The combination nods to the disparaging name law enforcement officers are referenced by in some languages and positions the pistol as an enforcement firearm giving it a negative connotation.

H is for Handcuffs and Heart, positioning the handcuffs closer to the prism of a sex toy.

J is for Joint and Joker, referencing the silliness that being “high” brings.

Knife and Kite may cause you to think of the fragility of the kite string, given all the scraping and cutting worked into the image around the knife.

Lock is paired with Lemon, focusing on the bitterness of incarceration.

Money is paired with Moon, making money a dream (“ask for the moon”).

Razor is paired with Rainbow - complete opposites when the razor is connected to suicide and the red gapping slash in the canvas.

Skull and Sunshine - self-explanatory!

An Urn represents U, with the word “Mom” inscribed on it; on the other side is a Unicorn, strengthening the idea of the uniqueness of those departed.

Violin is the children’s representation for V, while the adult counterpart is Victim or Violence, represented by a morgue tag on a (female) foot. The violin becomes the sad music we hear on crime shows (my association).

Whip is paired with Wolf, turning the whip into a sex toy.

These are some of the bizarre combinations, and at times, when viewing the series in a linear progression, the experience becomes even more absurd or surprising.