The Magic Kingdom *WIP Diptych

Free market paradise…

Acrylic on wood panel, 48 x 24in

*process

I thought it would be a grand concept to make a colorful Florida landscape out of scenes from behind the cardboard mouse. Some of this signage is obviously hyperbolic and provocative for the sake of caricature. I really want to make these colors POP, transforming the “block home apocalypse” into a beautiful graphic poster. I think I may spin this into a cross country series after this.

King’s Landing as a name for the cinderblock “Alamo,” is so perfect it hurts. Thank you Game of Thrones!

Who remembers passing Legs & Eggs on the drive from Tampa to Gainesville? Classic!

Fun facts about a state I LOVE , but can also be honest about - *The following bullet points are the article for this specific illustration.

  • The Florida I love is vanishing due to strip mall expansion, parking lots, and corporate fencing.  My Father’s property is so iconic and must be protected. They have the most beautiful 100 acres in Haines City that sits as a prime example of natural Florida.

  • Florida is the lead state among Georgia , South Carolina, and Virginia that are collectively known as the "Iron Pipeline.” This stretch of the I-95 corridor is responsible for roughly 75% of all illegal firearms used in crimes in NY state. These seized weapons are traced back to Florida gun shows and their legal loop holes. Freedom most certainly is not free. I’m fairly certain this stat would be celebrated by folks in red hats and printed on cheap Chinese made campaign shirts.

  • Unregulated pain clinics in Florida, could prescribe oxycodone to walk-ins with “migraines.” Dealers from across the country would flock to the area as an easy way to replenish their stock. This is why, in the early 2000’s, the Florida I-27 corridor was known as the “Wellspring that fed America’s opioid addiction.” The monetization of this addiction by the Sackler Family, the lack of regulation by the State of Florida, and the gold rush by publicly subsidized insurance companies led in part to the nation wide addiction we celebrate today. When you drive 27 towards I-4, the road sides are lined with these pain management centers. You will pass through this infamous strip, where a schedule 1 narcotic was distributed for profit using a manufactured formula for sustainable clientele… on your way to Lego-Land!

  • When travelling between resorts, you are more likely to see the landscape I painted than anything printed on a postcard. Sadly, I see it changing dramatically every year. “Ryan” block houses, devoid of any aesthetic value or homage to Florida’s heritage , will cover every square inch of this state before we know it. Cigarettes will still be two bucks a pack though so don’t worry.