The expansive
nature of an old
ductwork system on
a roof was befitting
of a triptych treat-
ment in Riotous
Rooftop (14x26).clerestory, I glimpsed a “monster” at
the window. It gave me a start before
I realized it was merely an old duct-
work system on the roof. Fright gave
way to indignation. What a jumbled
mess! the architect in me thought.
With its listing torso and huge,
hollow arms snaking out in all direc-
tions, the contraption appeared to
have been more improvised than
planned. But my inner child loved it
for this very reason. It was playful; it
was free! I knew at once that I wanted
to paint it—to preserve, if I could, the
crazy mix of conflicting emotions it
excited in that moment. I took several
photos of the system.
The subject itself dictated the
format of the painting. This exuberant
monster couldn’t be contained within
a single frame. It wanted to sprawl, to
ramble, its expansive nature most fit-
tingly conveyed by a series of panels.
I envisioned a triptych.
Love at
First Touch!
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