The American Caretakers, 2004

AVL's inspirations often come from classical artworks whose qualities are more hidden. In earlier days, artists were dependent on patrons and their commissions. The church and wealthy families gave an assignment to make an artwork according to a special theme or occasion. Despite the constraints, artists managed to produce superior works by adopting a special style and by using a strong technique. These days, such commissions have all but disappeared; the new patrons – from collectors to the state – make other demands on the contemporary artist, who must make a work and create room to express themselves as well.