The Essence

My paintings are influenced by the natural world’s effect on my inner world. When I have the good fortune to be successful in making a painting it is possible for me to find a place to express a memory, a dream, an inkling of things to come, a transparent field of thought devoid of words, a sense of gratitude for things beautiful as well as plain, or ugly, to understand joy, sorrow or anger in a way my endless inner conversation would never allow.     The experience can be refreshing and exhausting all at the same time. It almost always leaves me wishing for more. The trick is always to know when to stop. This work is a way for me to connect to the real world via my primitive wordless self. I often feel like an explorer venturing into the unknown; first with a sense of hesitation and then excitement and anticipation that launches my movement into the image. My primary motivation is to have fun with the painting and hope that my viewers have fun and discover a rich experience with my work. I am nourished by painting and enlightened by the discoveries made by my viewers and collectors.     My friend and mentor Mike Untiedt has commented that my work walks a razor fine edge between the abstract and literal. My friend Elizabeth Potts passed along this comment from Tadashi Hayakawa, teacher and fellow artist, who said I’m a messy painter with a gift. Both of these observations seem to imply the need to wear protective foot coverings, perhaps high top boots with steel soles. I personally prefer house slippers.

All artworks are painted with acrylics and/or mixed media including collage, pastel, etc.