Different Together

7' 2" x 2' 10"
Acrylic on canvas

This painting was inspired by so many of the students who came into my studio—most especially a group of high school students from the local art magnet school. They were all friends, each with their own unique look and style, and, to my eye and ear, they came from families rooted in many different parts of the world.

They told me all about their school and what they were focused on in their classes. Each one would talk about another—how talented their friend was. None of them bragged about themselves, but they all had something kind to say about each other. I was so taken by their love and admiration for one another that I named the painting Different Together.

As I recall, one was a musician, one a dancer, one a painter, one an actor, and another a singer. After they left my studio, I briefly wondered if their friend group had been “curated”… and then I wiped the thought from my mind, because it felt too cynical. Ever since, I’ve simply appreciated what a wonderful and exciting time of life they were having together.