Artist Statement

My art is more than just paint on canvas. It is more than the fingerpainting technique I use. When I create a painting it is a part of me and in the end is a creation from my spirit.

When you view one of my pieces you are seeing a part of me that even I cannot express in words. I have built a “relationship” with each and every painting and every single one is unique. Some I personally like more than others but I love them all. Because, good or bad they are an expression of whom I am. What I am thinking while I am painting them and how I think is a culmination of all of my life’s experiences; past and present the personal struggles and accomplishments that have brought me to this moment.  To the moment of placing the paint on the canvas with my hand, mixing, blending and pushing the paint.  The value and importance of the time I have given to each individual piece; the act of being able to paint and the love and joy experienced in this process. The relationship I am building layer by layer is done with trust. An unspoken agreement that in the end, after working through the obstacles and frustrations of getting things just right that a clear image will result and I can call it done.

The Process

I paint using my hands and fingers; finger painting. This technique has evolved from working many years with chalk pastels where I used my hands to manipulate and blend the color directly on the paper.  Being able to connect with the medium to the image is very important in my process and engages my visual and kinesthetic senses.  I decided to try using acrylic paint and working with the paint as if they were pastels.  The only thing that separates me from the paint on the canvas is a thin glove on my hand. 

Most of my recent work has been from photographs I have taken of flowers. I like to get as close as I can to the flower with my camera where I can capture the greatest amount of detail. I use the photograph as my source of inspiration for what results in the final interpretation on canvas. I have also created paintings where I have no idea what the end result will be. I typically will just start adding and removing paint on the canvas until I see an image or design emerging. The images are refined until the piece is complete. Knowing when something is complete is difficult to express in words. I can say there are many times when I feel like the art reaches its awkward stage in its development; it is near the point of completion.

My art conveys the essence of nature and human nature; the connection that is shared beyond what is seen physically. Flowers will bloom only when the conditions in which they grow are conducive for each particular species. The time of year they bloom varies based on location and regional factors. Their life cycle begins from a planted seed, sprouts and eventually becomes a full bloom soon to wither and die; and the cycle begins again. Life cycles and seasonal changes that constantly remind us of the passing of time. Our culture is obsessed with time and the attempt to manage and control it, myself included. Painting allows me the opportunity to become lost in time.

The time in which we live contains factors of instability and uncertainty. The emotions felt by many can be intense and overwhelming to the point where we choose not to feel at all. The sad part of this is that we may be missing out on some positive experiences as well. Our human senses and the ability to feel is a wonderful gift. My art, offers the opportunity to reawaken your senses; to focus your attention for just a moment on something beautiful.