Artist’s Statement

I am interested in exploring basic human emotions.

Drawing and painting have long provided avenues for me to travel on this journey.  I paint in the style that I do because it allows me to strip away associations with known objects so that I am left with pure feeling. 

I have a deliberate approach.  It is rare for me to start work on a painting or sculpture without an idea of where I am going with it.  Ideas about basic composition and color for a particular work usually percolate in my mind for months and sometimes even years before I begin creating.  

As far as materials go, I like to work with oil based paint on board.  PVC board is my current preference as it takes paint well and won’t warp.  It also has a smooth surface that is perfect for the rendering of sharp edged, geometric shapes.  It is extremely durable.  I will lay down several layers of gesso over it before painting. I use a combination of traditional artist paint and house paint for my work. 

What I am trying to accomplish as an artist is to use abstract forms to plumb emotions unhindered, be it despair, joy, anger, etc. and in doing so, becoming part of something greater than myself. 

My aim is for those who experience my work to go there with me.