PAINTINGS
Geometrics
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In the geometric series I create abstract compositions by constructing chromatically layered surfaces in geometric shapes. Against these backgrounds, I juxtapose realistic depictions of birds. This interplay of abstraction and avian imagery serves to symbolically explore themes such as freedom versus structure, while also hinting at ideas of adaptability and transition.
The landscape of New Mexico deeply influences my artistic surfaces. I strive to capture the ever-changing geology of the high desert and the shifting veils of cloud formations through layering paint and then sanding it back to reveal previous marks and colors. This process allows buried forms and rough lines to vie for prominence, while washes of color evoke the fluctuating interplay of light and shadow. The sanding technique opens a glimpse into the layers below, reminiscent of the erosion experienced by the land through wind and water.
Birds have rich significance across various cultures, religions, and traditions, symbolizing a wide array of concepts including freedom, nobility, fertility, and bravery. In many cultures, they are seen as messengers of the gods, traversing the air, sea, and land, soaring into the heavens and returning to earth—an ability that few other creatures possess. The image of a bird in flight serves as a powerful metaphor for breaking free from restrictive patterns and entrenched perceptions. By reinterpreting age-old associations with birds in a contemporary abstract context, I aim to reinforce these profound ideas. The birds signify the potential for elevation, bridging the tangible world with the spiritual realm.
Birds on Plaids
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The concept of birds on plaids emerged from a self-portrait project where my passion for textiles and grid patterns offered an ideal foundation. This decision was instinctive rather than introspective, representing a blend of over twenty years of exploration in mark making, color, composition, and thematic development. The magnetism of painting for me is the mystery of creating ideas, mood or context from images. My fascination with a wide array of visual information results in work that reflects everything I observe.
Amidst this landscape, the meticulously rendered birds assert their presence, symbolizing nature’s resilience. Perched in contemplative postures, they remain grounded and silent, inviting us to ponder their expressions and interpret their message.
Fluid Ink Washes
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In the fluid ink wash series, I utilize inks to create botanical forms, layering them to evoke imaginative shapes. The interaction of negative space introduces a sense of openness or void that enriches the entire composition. Once the botanical elements are defined, I then add realistic birds, integrating them into the scene. This composition is placed within a minimalistic setting, where the negative space becomes a focal point for reflection. This unadorned area, free of overt imagery, may hint at a deeper void in our understanding of nature itself. The substrate, made from an absorbent kaolin clay surface, allows the inks to seep in and settle organically, fostering a sense of spontaneity in the work.
