My Gayest Painting

Service

I have always been willing to discuss the subject matter and inspiration behind my paintings. Once, a buyer who had purchased several of my works asked about the inspiration for several of my pieces. He picked up my painting Service and said, “I think this is your gayest painting.” He went on to discuss what he perceived as the hidden presence within the painting. He said, “If you know… you know. That is what I love about this painting. Not everyone is going to see it. It is like the gay look of acknowledgment.”

I have thought about this conversation many times. Gay men have the ability to hide in plain sight. It comes from a form of survival—to blend in and not have your true self seen. Not seen except by others like you. There is a glance, a sudden meeting of the eyes, and a nod of acknowledgment that says you are not alone.

I am not sure if this was what I intended when I painted Service. The painting was based on a vintage photograph. I was drawn to the body language. The title of the painting is a playful way of implying meaning. I will let you take it from there and determine what you see.