ARTIST STATEMENT
I start my paintings by collecting imagery that intrigues me. Oftentimes, the photos are from places I have been, or plan to explore. Next, I develop meaning and form decisions of color palette and intentional abstractions to exaggerate realistic features which lead a narrative through painterly style. Within the process, I investigate how formal art elements communicate my intention, while remaining subtly covert.
Visually, my work is informed by the visual applied aesthetic of the historical movements of Surrealism in conjunction with formal elements of Realism. Unlike Surrealism, most of the elements in my art are symbolic, and unlike Realism, my art does not reject fiction. The whimsical style of children's book illustrator, Dr. Seuss, influence playful elements within my art. I am also inspired by Agnes Pelton's luminous abstractions of nature. I combine realistic art making methods with strategies of Organic Abstraction to display movement.
Each painting imbues personal experience through illustrative narrative. My visual narratives invite observers to connect, empathize, and expand their imagination. Through formal analysis and investigation of human experiences, I create pieces that satisfy me visually and communicate meanings that are important to me.