My intention was to use the human face simply as an objective format. I wanted the general organizing structure of a mouth, nose and two eyes, so I could then forget about subjective content and delve in to the painting process.

Unexpectedly they became true portraits, with more presence than I could have conscously willed them. Many became actual people from my life, while others serve more as archetypes. Each painting session produced a new "being" which was somewhat disturbing.

The series included 18 portraits and was painted over a year or two span in the early 1990s (ironically during a time when I was waiting tables and feeling very overwhelmed by people).