Owner and creator of the Galactic Boutique, Karl Fjellstrom, brings us yet another controversial work of art. Fjellstrom takes photos of his friends and lovers for reference, draws them out onto hand stretched canvas and then paints them using real live brushes and oil paints just like the old skool' masters of the renaissance era. There are no digital transfers or photo manipulation in the execution of these crazy real works of art. Karl is drawn to the mystery and beauty of the human form, particularly faces, nice lighting, and hot guys.

"This piece was my thesis statement for my MFA show", says Karl. "I normally don't like loading my work with such specific references to a narrative. But for this last work presented during my last show in college, I wanted to go out with a bang! Up front you have Mary, an imaged that I have always loved. Behind her (edited out for content) is another imaged that so many GAY men, like myself, love (use your imagination). Along with being an attention seeker, I wanted to dramatically juxtapose the theme of purity vs. porn."

This mixed media piece consists of a hand stretched oil painted canvas that is framed into a light-box. The Image of Mary is painted onto a thin piece of masonite and is attached to an outer frame that is attached with hinges. A light is placed between the two images and with the use of some cunning execution, Mary's burning heart glows with an angelic halo. The hinged frame allows you easy access to change the light should it burn out.

The dimensions of this piece are a massive 29 x 33 x 8. Since these are original one of a kind paintings, they are non-returnable or refundable. Images are copyrighted under Fjellstrom 2001 and any reproduction will force the artist to take the criminal to the smack down hotel. . . For purchase information, and to get uncensored versions of this image, please email