From the Artist:

This new series entitled "tough cookies" is about my love of all things New Orleans. I entitled it "tough cookies" because it is absolutely an issue of survival to have come back after the storm and still be in New Orleans. You gotta be a "tough cookie"!!! There is a lot of imagery in this series.... first of all, all of the pieces have the New Orleans signature symbol of a fleur de lis....The circular figures are a sort of modern interpretation of a still life with a nod toward the fabulous food that defines us as Louisianans.....so the round figures are fruits and vegetables. One or more horizontal lines in every painting represents the divisions in society....and the black and white bars on one of these lines represents music.....music is a healer. Music is a  way....generationally, culturally and socially to bring people together. I want for people to see something new every time they view these pieces. The subtle textures, the jumble of letters......sort of a tower of Babel situation between citizens and government, and the color combinations that jump off the canvas. I hope that you love viewing this series as much as I loved creating it. ENJOY!