My roots as a painter go back to the Pattern and Decoration movement which emerged in the 1970’s at the University of California in San Diego. The Polk Museum of Art in Lakeland, Florida observed that the Pattern and Decoration (P&D) movement was a reaction against the pervasiveness of Minimalism and an increased admiration of the decorative arts- ranging from American quilts to early Islamic motifs. This movement has had a lasting effect on contemporary painting.
My particular fascination with pattern has focused on the variety and intricacy of the organic natural world, the subtle colorations in the land and the intricate patterns of plant life.
Like the history of art trends, my path as an artist has been moving, evolving and building. At this juncture in my life I feel very sure of my voice. I know that the work I produce needs to come wholly from my own vision. It is to that vision that I faithfully attend each day. Although nature has always held me its sway, I have moved form seeking to capture its essence to a place where I aim to absorb the forms I see and create a new song.
Working on clayboard panel with acrylic wash and graphite renderings has become my method and medium of choice. The smooth receptive material allows me to manipulate and remove paint through a fine sanding method, thus creating a gentle play of weathered texture and color.
My underlying hope is always to produce a beauty that awakens.