04/01/2026
New work I just finished.
"Between Integrity and Temptation’s Pull"
This piece marks a departure from my traditional practice of drawing and painting, and my first exploration into the art of marquetry. Constructed from eleven distinct varieties of wood veneer, the work challenged me to think differently—trading line and shading for grain, tone, and the natural character of the material itself. Each cut, each placement, became a deliberate decision, requiring patience and precision in a way that felt both unfamiliar and deeply rewarding.
The image depicts a symbolic confrontation between opposing forces: light and dark, good and evil, integrity and temptation. Rather than presenting a clear victor, the figures are intertwined—locked in a moment that suggests balance as much as conflict. Their forms mirror one another, emphasizing the idea that these opposing forces are not separate, but inherently connected.
The use of wood as a medium reinforces this concept. Though the veneers differ in color and texture, they all originate from the same source—suggesting that duality exists within a shared foundation. The natural grain patterns act as a quiet reminder that even within contrast, there is continuity.
On a personal level, this piece reflects my own internal struggles with decision-making and the constant effort to choose what is right over what is easy. It is not a depiction of resolution, but of tension—an ongoing negotiation between opposing impulses. In that way, the work is less about conflict itself and more about the space in which that conflict lives.
This piece represents both a technical and personal turning point—an exploration of a new medium, and a deeper reflection on the complexities of human nature.
