CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
Optokinetic Drum, 2025
Foam, wood, epoxy, resin, acrylic paint
19 × 6 × 6 inches
An optokinetic drum is an instrument used by ophthalmologists to detect sight. The spinning black-and-white stripes induce optokinetic nystagmus, a reflexive eye movement; i.e., it confirms sight in those of us who would prefer, in some cases, not to see.
Seeing and Not Seeing, 2025
Oil on board
12 × 9 inches
The Skin Trade, 2024
Oil on board
11 × 16 inches
Pain Is Weakness Leaving the Body, 2022
Foam, wire, epoxy, resin, acrylic paint
36 × 15 × 20 inches
1) “Pain is weakness leaving the body” has been a phrase invoked by the U.S. Marines during training for at least the past twenty years.
2) During exercise, microtears form in the fibers of the muscle. The body’s repair of these tears leaves the muscle larger and stronger. Hence soreness after physical exertion can be perceived as a sign of progress toward a fitter body.
3) The inverse of the phrase—“pain is weakness entering the body”—is also true. The existence of pain can signal serious injury/illness or a neurological condition.
Untitled, 2021
Foam, resin, acrylic paint, ink
3¾ × 4¾ × 4 inches
Nerve House, 2019
Foam, wire, epoxy, resin, acrylic paint
28 × 19 × 10 inches
Pyramid Storm, 2019
Foam, epoxy, resin, wire, acrylic paint
36 × 10 × 19 inches
CNS Laurel and Hardy, 2018
Foam, wood, epoxy, wire, thread, acrylic paint
45 × 60 × 23 inches
Hyperexcitability of the damaged trigeminal nerve causes spontaneous, chaotic electrical discharges that the brain perceives as pain, i.e., the brain and nerve are in a relationship of mutual misunderstanding.
Somatic Therapy, 2017
Foam, epoxy, wood, acrylic paint
12 × 25 × 8 inches
James Braid coined the term hypnosis in 1845. The mental state can be described as relaxed, uninhibited, and focused.
With the therapist’s guidance, the patient with chronic pain can redirect their attention away from the pain and reduce its intensity.
The Workstation, 2016
Wood, foam, metal mesh, epoxy, acrylic paint
36 × 19 × 19 Inches
An illustration for a self-published book of science fiction stories titled The Interim Effect.
Exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) is a temporary reduction in pain sensitivity. The release of endorphins and enkephalins following physical exertion can temporarily dampen neuropathic pain.