Artist Statement
A personal goal is to impact all with the beauty of life in its expressive moods while artistically portraying the subtle nuances of everyday life. I find quite exhilarating and strive for portrayals of life’s simple states of being, regardless of my choice of mediums.
I am known as a pastelist with my usage derived from an Impressionistic Era love as well as the satisfaction of building the painting, i.e., sculpting with the sticks of pastels. I manipulate the visual effects by varying the pressure of application and rotating the stick with usage of the broad side, tip or blunt end for varied sizes of strokes. Viewers will experience a sense of touch by viewing the sensation of movement, created by the mass of individualized, layered strokes.
My manner of execution would be classified as untraditional with applications of contrasting colors of light and dark pastels applied in alternating layers. Limited mid-tones are added in the mid and latter stages of the painting. I have discovered the underlying layers emanates a reflective quality, giving added depth and greatly enhances the finished state. The excessive layering also creates the illusion and lushness of oils. Minimalist settings are utilized, with cropped compositions, which invokes intimacy and a sense of drama.
Periodically with a need to jump outside of my known medium and comfort zone, I then turn to tactile art forms which spurs growth and creativity. Tiny creatures are comprised of sculptural characters created from found objects fused with baby doll parts, wood, metal findings and fabric to create whimsical life forms that blur the lines of reality. A dominant white palette demands attention to
created shapes and forms, rather than obscured by a rampage of colors. The white also creates an androgynous atmosphere which further adds a mystique to the fantasy land.
Many great artists have influenced my art, with a special reverence to Kiki Smith, Manny Farber, Wolf Kahn and Janet Monafo. Impressions from each oeuvre has shaped my personal technique and process.
I am known as a pastelist with my usage derived from an Impressionistic Era love as well as the satisfaction of building the painting, i.e., sculpting with the sticks of pastels. I manipulate the visual effects by varying the pressure of application and rotating the stick with usage of the broad side, tip or blunt end for varied sizes of strokes. Viewers will experience a sense of touch by viewing the sensation of movement, created by the mass of individualized, layered strokes.
My manner of execution would be classified as untraditional with applications of contrasting colors of light and dark pastels applied in alternating layers. Limited mid-tones are added in the mid and latter stages of the painting. I have discovered the underlying layers emanates a reflective quality, giving added depth and greatly enhances the finished state. The excessive layering also creates the illusion and lushness of oils. Minimalist settings are utilized, with cropped compositions, which invokes intimacy and a sense of drama.
Periodically with a need to jump outside of my known medium and comfort zone, I then turn to tactile art forms which spurs growth and creativity. Tiny creatures are comprised of sculptural characters created from found objects fused with baby doll parts, wood, metal findings and fabric to create whimsical life forms that blur the lines of reality. A dominant white palette demands attention to
created shapes and forms, rather than obscured by a rampage of colors. The white also creates an androgynous atmosphere which further adds a mystique to the fantasy land.
Many great artists have influenced my art, with a special reverence to Kiki Smith, Manny Farber, Wolf Kahn and Janet Monafo. Impressions from each oeuvre has shaped my personal technique and process.