Outside Golem, 18″ x 24″ oil on linen canvas, framed by the artist.

Outside Golem captures a moment outside the Cafe Golem, located in Amsterdam. The image was stolen in the moment and seared into my mind. It was one of many experienced with my love, Cate, on our 10th anniversary Honeymoon in Europe. The idea of hanging out with my “brah” intrigues me. The painting, in a way, captures my envy of that relationship. I love the lady sipping wine, talking on her cell. Everyone is in their own world, except for the person peeking out from inside Gollem. He sees what I’m up to, the intrusion I am making into the private moment I’m observing. Through the magic of oil painting, we can go anywhere and become whatever we want. What is stolen is returned in the creation of something beautiful and meaningful. But then again, what’s the harm in staring? Soon we will have AI and we won’t need painting and photography to travel in our imaginations. But until then, please enjoy Outside Golem.