Artist Statement

My work is an ongoing conversation with the external world about color, composition, texture, and shape. I interpret these elements utilizing a variety of material approaches and techniques depending on the mood and narrative I want to convey. Working within the genres of abstraction and expressive figuration, inspiration comes from a wide range of sources – shapes and colors observed from nature; emotional responses to models during studio life drawing sessions; or the joy of working in my studio. 

In the series Figurative Transformation, for example, I use many layers of paint, collage and ink on wood panel. As I add layers I embellish them and allow the textural effects and the chance marks that emerge to guide my choice about whether to incorporate figurative elements. The subtractive process of scraping away to reveal buried patterns and colors informs subsequent additive decisions. The resulting translucency and complexity of depth and marks from this technique invites the viewer to look closer and become involved in the discovery of my visual language.