Eclipse Series
Painting is a cathartic expression for me, a way to satisfy my desire to create beauty and share my perception of the world. My main sources of inspiration come from travel and immersing myself in nature. I find myself studying surfaces that reveal the passage of time, and pausing to observe subtle changes in the sunlight. When travelling, our position on the earth changes, and in turn so does our relationship to the sun. As a result, the quality of light is slightly different and offers us a new perspective.
The desire to capture a unique condition of light in my paintings particularly struck me during the solar eclipse on August 21, 2017. I remember the overwhelming emotions of awe and gratitude for our universe, and the humbling reminder that we are not always in control.
In these explorations, the painting process of using pigmented wax requires the surface to be built up with multiple layers. As new coats are applied, the wax is lightly scraped away to reveal hints of previous marks. This process creates a complex surface that has movement, depth, and an ethereal quality that I hope will capture the unique conditions that were created by the eclipse.
Line Series
The line series focuses on elements of control. The process is deliberate and calculated. For each piece the colors are pre-selected, test samples are referenced, and precise measurements are essential. The dichotomy of the line series speaks to my inability to completely let go.
Flit Float Series
The Flit Float Series is an exploration to graphically abstract the elements explored in the Eclipse Series. The wax is applied with a gentle upward side-to-side movement of the brush which simulates the dancing crescent shadows that were created by wind gently blowing the leaves on the trees during the eclipse. The resulting shapes are outlined to playfully define forms both recognizable and abstract. Each painting will speak differently to viewers as they can find their own meaning in the defined negative and positive space, similar to finding significance in the shape of a cloud.
Creature Series
The Creature Series expands on the playfulness of the Flit Float Series. The main objective is to let go of all need for control of the end result. By following the principles and techniques used in the Flit Float Series, the painting takes on a life of its own with the application of a solid top wax layer that is then partially scraped away. The final step of defining the negative and positive space leads to the discovery moment in which creatures and their friends emerge from the surface. None of the figures are planned, and as in the Flit Float Series, each viewer will discover their own creatures within the painting.