A decade of long distance running taught me to embrace The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner. Those miles and trials were bootcamp for my next act, as a self-represented artist. Like distance running, successful entrepreneurism isn’t as lonesome as one might think — a point beautifully articulated in Michael Sonnenfeldt’s new book — Think Bigger: And 39 Other Winning Strategies from Successful Entrepreneurs.
My neighborhood on Long Island was fiercely divided. Neighbors took sides, and this animus bled into the streets… during roller hockey games. You were either an Islanders fan, or a Rangers fan — never both. I was, and remain, the former. During the 2009 season, a familiar name hit the ice — Trevor Gillies. He quickly became a fan favorite, and remained that way, even when the Coliseum faithful found out, he wasn’t, in fact, related to the legend — Clark Gillies.
How did this portrait come to be? During our first summer in Teton Valley, we attended a charity event at Teton Springs. There, I met a gentleman named Michael. As it happens, Erin and I found out the gender of our third child that evening, so Michael took me to the clubhouse for a celebratory shot of Jam-O. During our chat, I confessed my love for hockey, and he revealed the name of his brother-in-law — Trevor Gillies. And so, the wheels were set in motion…
Here is a look at the entire creative process, in time lapse. The track, Powerful Vibes (feat. Dolio The Sleuth, GR Stone & Stewie), has been provided by MH the Verb… run, don’t walk, to his website and buy his new album — Afronaut… yes, I painted the album cover.
And now… on to the process, with more about the story behind this new painting.
2017 — what a year! Our family grew by one, with the addition of our son Esser. I spent the summer painting in Teton Village, created many paintings and even went snowshoeing! It was major… let’s take it from the top, with a time warp back to January…
I recently discovered the following, “Any artists living in Idaho for a period of sixteen or more months, is required by law, to create a barn painting. Said Barn must represent at least 40% of the picture plane to be considered a Idaho state approved barn painting.”
And so… I present my painting of Rammell Barn — a landmark located in Teton Springs, of Teton Valley, in Victor, Idaho. Interestingly enough, in early 2026, I was informed the actual name of this structure is the Curtis Barn, named after Nahum and Annie Curtis, the original homesteaders of the property now known as Teton Springs.
Introducing my collage painting of the legend — Bob Marley.
https://www.facebook.com/borbay/videos/1534518003298513/
Watch the entire piece come together in a hot minute, soundtrack courtesy of a legend in the making — MH the Verb.
I first set foot on Boston University’s campus as a 17-year-old, 123-pound runner, looking to channel the Terrier. Despite graduating from the College of Fine Arts, I never painted live on the streets of Boston.
So, when I found myself in town for the first time in ten years… I decided to rectify this egregious error. With my penchant for neon, and the recent drama surrounding Citgo… the subject chose me.
MH the Verb created the magic… I painted a picture to represent his creation. Introducing the cover of AFRONAUT — MH’s latest album… which, friends, is a banger.
As a nuanced creative collaboration of the most exciting variety, I’ve weaved a Q&A with MH throughout the process photos below.
And feel the POWER… in the exclusive time lapse and video release for MH’s 1st single.
“I’m gonna drop the Gugg in front of the Tetons, and live paint the eclipse at 9,095′ in Jackson Hole.” Wait, what?
Yes, the 9th painting in my 20-year-series traded in 5th avenue for a ski resort… and friend, it was glorious!
https://www.facebook.com/borbay/videos/1473658622717785/
Enjoy the process in one minute… featuring total darkness during the eclipse, with a soundtrack from The Rotaries.
And so, my summer artist residency with Four Seasons Jackson Hole comes to a close with one more neon — Teton Gables Motel.
https://www.facebook.com/borbay/videos/1460138977403083/
Enjoy the entire process in one minute, with a beautiful Tin Pan soundtrack.
TETON VILLAGE, WY — AUGUST 21, 2017 — Summer Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole Artist-In-Residence, Borbay, will live paint the once-in-a-lifetime eclipse during a private solar eclipse viewing party. From 9:00 to 2:00 PM, guests will sip Bloody Marys and mimosas at Rendezvous Lodge, 9,095 feet (2,772 meters) above Jackson Hole Valley, and safely view the eclipse through Teton Skies’ hydrogen-alpha solar telescopes.
Following twelve consecutive weeks of live painting at The Ascent Lounge, Four Seasons invited Borbay to capture this astrological phenomenon. “I can’t imagine a better place to paint and experience the eclipse. The top-secret painting I will complete at 9,095 feet is going to be extremely special, and, I suspect, unlike any eclipse painting you will discover. My summer at Four Seasons has been incredible — I’m thrilled and honored to be a part of this magical event.”
Borbay will share the creation process live on Instagram and Facebook during the eclipse.
