The Romantic Poets and A Case For Impromptus at Dohm Alley, Princeton NJ

"A Case For Impromptus" Acrylic and latex on wood board. 4' x 8' x 4" Available for acquisition.

When I was invited to contribute to Dohm Alley I saw it as an opportunity for growth. Being the least established among the contributing artists, one could call me the baby of the Dohm Alley family. I’m proud to be included in this project, and felt a great sense of responsibility to rise to the occasion to meet the bar set by the work of my fellow artists.

Another growth opportunity is in the involvement of a public installation. I’ve always admired works in public spaces- public art reminds people that they’re surrounded by magic- that experience of effortless delight so many people are thirsty for.

The theme of the project is set around the influence of the Romantics- those poets who helped to influence the culture into embracing more their own sense of virtue and righteousness than continuing to bow to the at the time reigning power of the church. However, here in the company of history, literature, and a slight touch of geography, we bump up against my lack of formal education, and my embarrassing grades in such subjects.

This made research a big factor, and after weeks of watching documentaries and surfing for info, I felt prepared to move forward. Plus I finally understood why my ex named our cat Rousseau.

The painting is meant to transition the front of the alley from the Industrial Age, into the back of the alley and the Age of Enlightenment. The dark side of the painting is about coal, soot, steel, conformity, obedience to the church, child labor, and unfortunate mortality. The more vibrant side is influenced by “Xanadu”, paradise, nature, self discovery, self governing, expanding consciousness, awareness, freedom and reflection. Purposefully jarring and out of place on the right side of the piece is the Jean Jacque Rousseau quote “To feel is to exist”, and the Thomas Paine quote “In America, the law is king” has the first part barely legible because “in America’ was inferred in the original text. You’ll also notice a timeline of events I considered to be important in the shift of the culture’s mentality. My favorite example of a definite domino effect is when composer John Baptist Cramer published his compositions under the heading of “Impromptu”.

Today we all enjoy the freedom to design our own life experience, to live in spontaneity or structure, which is why “Law of attraction” is present on the left side. The idea of the law of attraction feels to many today as Rousseau’s quote did back in 1758.

We are all lucky to be alive, and on the edge of what’s to come. This piece feels like a celebration of that excitement and the butterfly effects we all contribute.

The piece is for sale and a percentage will support Dohm Alley. Please visit Designs @ Dohm Alley on Nassau St in Princeton, to view the painting and enjoy the works of the many talented artists. Check their calendar of events for upcoming screenings, open mics, and receptions at Contact me directly to purchase.

Prior to my installation, dancers from the Pennington Studio engaging with the art at Dohm Alley.