| Artist's Statement |
Between impulse and self imposed structure I consistently use botanical reference, skeletal tree forms and atmospheric light to express my
aesthetic intentions. My passion for observation and experimental
process is distilled into the illusions found in these new works.
This show represents larger scale work than I have previously shown in
my years with Craighead-Green. I intend to create an intimate sense
of landscape as I push the scale to greater degrees. My intention is to
feel enveloped and connected with nature, not to stand apart from it.
The tree forms continue to inspire me because they are universal,
completely ordinary and extraordinary all in one. Trees are beautifully
linear, gestured as the human body and they encompass the spectrum
of frailty to monumental strength. When moving through a painting I
engage myself philosophically and aesthetically with the coexistence
of natural polarities. Examples of this would be: a delicate transient
leaf and its' counterpart the supporting solid trunk, or storm winds in
contrast to human breath. As I consider these contrarieties my work
flows between my real experience with natural environments and the
process of painting abstract interpretations. The wisp of a brush stroke
to a fluttering leaf, the gouge of a dry point line to a brittle tree limb,
are types of ephemeral qualities perennial to my inspiration.
My processes are akin to mono printmaking and have led me in
challenging and diverse directions. Basically it is a layering process
of under painting, natural branch templates, dry point, enamel and
oil washes, with additive and subtractive brushwork. I enjoy the anxiety
and surprise as I work through the order, disorder and sequences of
change. I am constantly pushing myself to observe, respond
spontaneously and yet keep a Zen sense of formal balance.
I am pleased to present these new paintings and hope that viewers
will find them compelling.
2007 |
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