Artist Statement
My artwork and teaching revolve around the observance of design, the ritual of building, and the systematic breakdown of that which is built. Growing up in Wake/Johnson County has taught me many things about the passing of traditions, the loss of place, and the "shininess' of progress- structural, uplifting, and superficial. Travel has intensified the observations. As a result, I select images that reflect the observable evolution of surroundings or strengthen visual composition, I apply layers of symbolic color to enhance mood, and I employ visual vernacular to strengthen the artwork's intent.
Currently, I am exploring rural landscape or historical urban structures in interpretive context using oil paint. Giving testimony of that which is left behind in our furiously changing times, my work gives evidence of the past and vision of a future that hurries by, paying minimal attention. My style is influenced by my favorite artists including: Van Gofh for the incredible texture and color he used in exploring everyday sights; Alexander Calder for his playful explorations of structure and movement in his 3-D work; O'Keefe for her simple and elegant urban cityscapes and desert structures; Hopper for his sense of composition and creation of mood through isolation and color; and finally the Bauhaus under Gropius for design layout and clean lines.
My process involves taking my own digital photographs, editing and cropping them using either Photoshop or by hand, transterring the image by hand (sometimes using drafting techniques) onto gessoed canvas, and then painting the image in oils. I paint in multiple layers, both opaque and transparent, using pale drying oil as a medium.
"Great art is the outward expression of an inner life in the artist, and this inner life will result in his personal vision of the world." Edward Hopper
