SOMETHNG BEAUTIFUL OR SOMETHING FREE
Everything about this piece is contradictory. The subject matter, the detail and even the inspiration. The inspiration is one-part compromise and one-part giant middle finger to the icon art world. If you’re an icon artist, you will be inundated with requests for Marilyn Monroe. I believe most of these requests are simply because her image sells. I can’t think of a less inspired reason to paint something than simply for monetary gain with no emotional connection. Simply put, she has become the ultimate cliché in the industry, and that’s why I never thought I would paint her.

The compromise came with this concept. Although I have no emotional connection to Monroe, I’ve had a huge connection with Manson since I first ran across him in the 90’s. To me, he is the perfect intersection of audio and visual art, and his constant reinvention of himself has helped to maintain my intrigue, and his relevance.

The concept of the “mash up” transformed, or morphed, over many variations before settling on this final image. I understand the target audience is greatly diminished by not doing a standard Monroe piece, but I salvaged my integrity by approaching her this way. As for the numerous people who have requested a Marilyn Monroe over the years in the hopes of a retail bonanza…to quote the man himself, “I wasn’t born with enough middle fingers”.