Process:
The start can be as simple as posing my own hands, or finding a collage element to work from.
Next would be to draw, with a ballpoint pen, on the wood my hand pose. Pieces that included my right hand, made me have to draw with my non-dominant left hand. Over the years of looking at ones hands I began to notice every line and detail. After drawing, I would then paint over the lines with Gesso using a 0 sized brush. Next would be to light up the open flame blow-torch which is similar to an airbrush. I handle the pen like end that is connected by tube to the propane tank. Carefully burning / painting in the drawing, the Gesso acting like a resist to the flames. Then would come the oil painting, and or fitting the collage to the piece. Last step was to apply several coats of high gloss polyurethane to the burned part of the piece.

Working on the final piece #1000 was a melancholy moment, one of great accomplishment, and also one of 'now what do I do'.

Epilogue:
The Entire series was a cathartic experience, a visual display of current states of my mind over time, dealing with ups and downs, battle with depression and loss. each individual piece has its own story as much as the series in its entirety.