Situation and Circumstance Overcome. Oil on panel, 16 by 20, 2003.

I painted this for the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. Luckily they didn’t want it. It’s a touchstone; so deferential to my old heroes, so sentimental and fundamental in statement. The original hangs in our home here, near the main door – it’s a reminder. I’ve painted many copies of the work, as it’s one that seems to resonate with many viewers.

Perhaps the bricks are more important than the flora, after all.