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Dennis J Brandt
(Whoretense Facepillow)

About My Art

What... My current oil paintings show imaginary persons, places, or scenarios that occur in between moments. Often, the action occurs in dynamic or unexpected environments, frequently with stylized or compressed perspectives. I delight in value; I also experiment with color, contrast, design, and any other elements that help me pin down my point of view.

Influences... I am influenced by the absurdity of daily life and our capacity to overlook or ignore life's warning signals which are all around us always. My paintings often investigate the juxtaposition of this fundamental fact, against the treadmill of everyday life. With relish, and probably mustard, I delve into truth and fantasy, flesh and soul, and last not least, the novel and the mundane.

Goals... In a society dominated by consumer appeals and market spectacle, I hope my paintings offer an opportunity for solace, or at least a little clean air. I want my viewers to remember our shared rights to live in dignity and authenticity, without apology or guilt. We are all after all, god's backwoods cousins (who best not be mentioned in mixed company).

My background: I have a degree in mechanical engineering; all that time working I was making art, but only (mostly) on the side. After 33 years, during the Covid lockdown, I decided it was time for a change. Now art is finally where I've wanted it to be for a long time-- front and center!

Whoretense Facepillow, fyi, is an alternative name/identity that came to me after getting to know the Radical Faerie community. If you're not familiar with the faeries, they are a loosely knit (gay) collection of like-minded folks that I am very much a part of. This is why my email address = radfeyart@gmail... Google "radical faeries" to find out more.

I've worked in many mediums in the past, including acrylic, watercolor, printing, and all manner of drawing. These days I'm leaning into oil as it speaks to me most clearly, and is far more forgiving that watercolor or acrylic. I am self taught (except for a year at Gage). Growing up in the States, all over, I had a love of creating most anything from an early age-- I just didn't have the confidence to channel that into a way to pay the bills. In spite of that, I've been able to get my work in front of an audience these past 10 years or so:

I've recently relocated from Seattle to the city of Vancouver British Columbia. Feels good.