Artist Statement 2024

The organic progression of my work began as interests in human impact on the environment; these are reflected in the impermanence of life, decay and death of urban opportunities and communities. I study water and other elements of the natural world, and their expression in my urban surroundings, and how two such disparate realities converge. For example; when it rains, vehicles shed drops of oil which float on the puddles left in the streets; sunlight reflects and refracts over and through the puddle it produces a rainbow-like effect. Looking into this I’ve found there is also a space between the oil and water that reflects the light. I became fascinated by this “space” and started my exploration of water “over” oil in my painting. Oil film gradually thins from its center to its periphery; and as oil and water don’t “mix”, through working with other mediums, solvents, and distillates, I found that different liquids evaporate in circles of disparate sizes. The circle in zen symbolizes emptiness and form; a paradox which I find reflects the life of the city. I explore this paradox, through moment to moment awareness as I disperse material, content, and light. Paint is dispersed by different binders, evaporation ensues, naturally leaving circles of residue. Scratching at the surface reveals the growth memory and historical record. Light is dispersed by a mixture of marble dust, resin and color balances.
Like bodies of water, human responses of fluctuating temperament can be calm, receptive, active and powerful. Human actions leave vestiges that can be seen in every environment.