"Still Life with Martinis" is a piece of art that holds profound personal meaning for me.

I set out to use the classic objects of a still life—a pitcher, cocktail glasses, and an ice bucket—to create a powerful metaphor for addiction and illusion. The vibrant, highly chromatic striped fabric was a deliberate challenge to paint, symbolizing the alluring but often confusing atmosphere of the "good times" associated with chronic drinking.

I found that by painting highly reflective surfaces like the stainless steel and the clear glass, I could illustrate distorted reality, representing the illusions the afflicted person experiences. The dark, open martini shaker at the center, rendered in heavy shadow, became a visual symbol for the "black hole" that can consume the alcoholic.

This painting transforms a traditional, colorful composition into a deeply emotional commentary on a real personal struggle. It’s a work that blends technical mastery with a heartfelt, layered narrative.

The painting is already framed and available to ship and hang immediately. Free ground shipping to the US lower 48 states. International and expedited shipping options are available. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.