A synthesis of my background in fine art, fashion and religion,The Cult of Beauty is a series of contemporary representational figurative oil paintings portraying a social-philosophical narrative. Based on the concept that the human spirit longs for love and acceptance, these paintings examine how a delicate self-worth can be undermined in a society where standards of idealized beauty seem hallowed and venerated. Treated as a religion,The Cult of Beauty depicts isolated female figures in religious-like rituals of prayer, worship, marriage and even sacrifice. Some are shown caught in the moment of choosing “whether to” or “how to” appease this idol of beauty. Both Biblical and Occult references are made in order to enhance the paradox of freewill and servitude while broaching the underlying theme of “Choice.” Vintage fashion industry props and flesh-toned foundational garments set the time and help stage the darkened personal environment of these paintings which promote a voyeuristic observation of human nature’s vulnerability when caught in the universal struggle for acceptance.