These paintings are from my most recent body of work.  I had taken a break from painting for a few years.  During that time I studied video and music production, construction and metal sculpture, casting and fabrication in steel and bronze.  Then I went really sideways studying pharmacology.  After my escape from the seedy and crack ridden art scene in the Seattle underground.  I found myself easel painting again, this time under an avocado tree next to the 101 freeway in Hollywood.  These paintings reflect impressions from these experiences and a deep appreciation for the opportunity to indulge in the craft of oil painting once again.

Rani Laik    November 2005