ARTIST’S STATEMENT

In my work, the natural or built environments are used as starting points from which each painting evolves and transforms, until external references are often subdued by elements of abstract expressionist painting. My goal is to create an image filled with vitality and stated in as few brush strokes as required. Although the paintings appear to be done quickly, they are many layers deep and weeks often pass before I execute the bold strokes I am after. My exposure to Zen calligraphy in Japan instilled this sensibility in me, and I’ve found that petting or tidying paintings only detracts from their vigor. They are made of paint, after all, and paint inherently runs, drips and bleeds. I find much of the beauty in this very fact.

The works are inspired by locations ranging from lava flows and glaciers, to grass and sage covered prairies, to manicured seaside parks, to moss-adorned concrete walls. In my 20 years as a professional artist, I have come to realize that any subject can be an inspiration for a painting, and that all subjects are worthy of exploration. Wayne Thiebaud painted ice cream cones, while Barnett Newman tried to paint the transcendental—I believe both are valid.

The works are ultimately explorations of line, color, form and gesture, and their ability to elicit emotional or spiritual responses. Although it is natural for many viewers to find subjects in abstract paintings, the works are intended to be viewed more as one would listen to instrumental music, without feeling a need to attach a meaning or narrative.