Nice 2014

Artist Statement

“I grew up in the Alief suburb of Houston, Texas. I had loving parents and siblings and a warm home. But, it’s true that we did struggle to make ends meet. My dad worked for the city. To help put food on the table, my brother and I mowed lawns with our mother. It was hard. My friends went to pool parties while I had to cut their grass. Often, my dad’s car would break down because it overheated or needed more oil. I was embarrassed.

As I matured, something told me that my life was not going to be like “this.” I make that statement with no resentment towards my loving and hard-working parents because they did the best they could. But, I wanted “more.”

One of the main themes that you’ll see in Nice 2014 is glamor. As a young man, I could not have defined that for you. On this trip, I experienced sights and saw the absolute finest of indulgences: Lunch on the Champs Elysees, a Christening fit for a royal, a fairy-tale Tuscan wedding, and driving a Ferrari in the hills of Monaco. Yes, I had “arrived.”

Another theme I hope you’ll discern in Nice 2014 is the beautiful stages of life. From Christening to marriage to the contentment of old age—this series captures it all. And, when you look at it, I hope you’ll think of my life…and your own…and what we’ve all accomplished together.”

John Ross Palmer

This entire series has gone into private collections.