Doors & Ribbons, Acrylic on canvas, 16"W x 20"H

Following his release from the hospital, four daily insulin injections would help to regulate Rick's blood sugar levels. When the diabetes was being effectively managed, the mania which had preceded it went away. During the months of August and September 1999, Rick would go on a painting spree - completing nine (9) new paintings.

The first of these new paintings, Doors & Ribbons, symbolizes Rick's goal of "living with AIDS, not dying with AIDS". The first panel commences with an unopened door and a blank canvas on an easel. The panels progress to a fully-opened door exuding "life" in the form of colorful circles, and a red AIDS ribbon on the easel. Note that the third panel represents the obstacles along the way - the opened door releases black semi-circles instead of full, colorful circles, and the easel holds a fractured black ribbon.

Doors & Ribbons was purchased by a gallery client on November 17, 2001.