I found this piece among a stack of ink drawings and prints in his studio. Created in fall of 2016, I knew immediately it was a self portrait of John, as much of his work is. Interior, a gestural drawing of ink on paper was framed in 2021 in hopes that it would be exhibited. At the time I found this expressionist piece, I called it Aneurysm. Its bold colors, contorted form and emotional intensity were all there.

I ask, was it a distortion or depiction of what was to come?

-Shari Wilkis 2/14/2024