Artist Statement
My creative work has evolved from my experience practicing art and teaching art over many years. My teaching practice has led me to some interesting research on the brain, psychology, and the creative process, which in turn has provided me with new directions to explore in my own creative work. I am fascinated with ideas that have grown out of Zen philosophy and in particular our interconnectedness as humans to all living things in the natural world. I am entranced by color, and for me the process of painting is an exploration of the infinite possibilities of iridescence, luminosity, and polychromatic interactions. Teaching observational drawing over the years has made me realize that we all perceive reality in wildly different ways, and that and we as humans also tend to suffer from rigidly conditioned ways of interpreting what we see. I am interested in shifting and expanding my own perceptions of reality through the process of painting and ultimately hope to create a unique vision by combining forms that are both carefully transcribed from observation with those that are altered by the filter of my own imagination.
Besides painting and drawing, I also incorporate collage into my work, using organic plant materials, glass, and other discarded fragments to add texture and depth. I draw inspiration from nature and believe that combining organic and man-made elements creates a compelling contrast that speaks to the fragility and transience of life.
I am incredibly inspired by nature, poetry, mythology, and art history. I see these disciplines as interconnected, offering an eclectic tapestry of symbols, stories, and ideas that can be woven together to create something meaningful. I'm particularly interested in exploring the unexpected relationships that emerge, revealing new perspectives and deeper understandings. I hope to engage viewers to find their own connections within the interplay of layered images.
