S T A T E M E N T

I work with acrylic paints and mediums on unprimed canvas, using flat and wet painting techniques evolved from watercolor painting. Current works are mixed media assemblies to the extent that cotton string(s), frayed cotton canvas, ink and pencil are in the material mix to varying degrees. Canvas and cotton string become 3-dimensional relief elements. My tools today can include spray bottles, eye droppers, squirt bottles, gravity and water-acrylic chemistries. All of the materials used read through for what they are.

My works have become progressively non-representational. I have been blurring  figurative references since 2014, developing loosely organic shapes and patterns that are, in whole or part, almost something recognizable. Interpretation is up to viewers.

When building paintings I enlist the physical properties of the canvas, paint, mediums, water, gravity, etc.. Collectively I imagine these as “ The Elements”. When painting, I imagine “We” are collaborating (playing) and I have grown to accept the greater freedom this partnership inspires.

Within each painting is a mix of (loose) predictability and surprise. Within each painting is a playlist of many genres. A painting is typically built in 5 or 6 layers, each one drying for 4-12 hours before the next layer is added. I work on developing pieces that flush out a series. I work on multiple canvases at a time which creates companions within a series. Surprises happen when the Elements are wet and active . I prefer the “surprises” in this process to one that offers (absolute) certainty of a desired outcome.  How the “Elements” mix and flow is a game and a dance.

I generally draw inspiration for the next painting(s) from the previous one(s).