Diane Arbus’s paintings have inspired me as much as any artist ever has. I have painted several of her photographs over the years. This mural outside my flat in Long Beach, California, was one of many I displayed in public. The reactions I received by people walking by as I painted varied. I specifically remember one man complaining that there was too much pain in the world and I should not be contributing more. I tried to engage him in a conversation about the value of art, but he just kept walking.

For reference of original photograph