ARTIST STATEMENT
Does a work of art have to have substantive meaning in order to be valued in today's world? I explore this question in my art by developing paintings that should viscerally appeal to the viewer and provide simple meaning through the application of paint, and thread on to the canvas. My art will not shock or provide a narrative, but will express simple truths and ideas that do not require personal, political or Freudian explanations. The goal simply stated is to stimulate the viewer to explore the canvas.
In order to entice exploration, geographical, aerial photography and satellite photographs provide a preliminary basis for the structure and composition of the painting. The organization of landform and shapes has extended my interest. I am inspired by the textural land surfaces and the visual repetition and land structure. The photographs are inspirational to me as an artist.
A major goal in my paintings is to create an atmosphere of space and color. The visual experience of my paintings is what influences my technical approach. I look at a painting thinking in layers. Building layer upon layer gives lushness to the colors. Using glazes between layers of paint adds definition to the surface and creates a sense of elusiveness. I have incorporated non-traditional materials in my paintings. Sewing and the use of thread in my work contribute in the investigation of different textures. My work involves process and goes through many stages and changes. My paint handling has always been consistent with thickly applied paint and areas of smoothly applied paint. My intention with the sewing is the physical involvement with the piece. Using thread and sawdust in my painting, I want to develop another type of surface with these materials. Thread has an arbitary fluidness of line that is in contrast to the paint application.
My work has changed and developed into influences of great inspiration. My involvement and research in geography, satellite photographs and aerial photographs have caused me to push my work as an artist. I will continue to experiment with nontraditional materials to develop new and intriguing ideas in painting.