ARTIST STATEMENT

My painting style, in simple terms, is Abstract Realism…The two opposing genres, existing in one painting, represent where dreams and reality collide…that beautiful space where creation happens, just beyond the physical realm.  My textures symbolize the desire to touch the world, making an imprint on it…a modern-day hieroglyph per se.  My representational work is more-so about the painting process itself.  When my work is viewed up close, it is meant to be experienced as a shallow abstract color sculpture.  The process of how the painting was made is meant to be questioned.  I invite the viewer into the love affair I have with paint and texture. When the work is viewed at a distance, the realism forms…symbolic of taking a step back from things in life to get a clear view of reality.  I cycle through different subject matter, coming back to similar themes often with a new view and approach every time…

The people I paint are not typically specific individuals, but rather a narrative or representative of a feeling. They are etched into this idea of making a mark on the world.  They often represent how the past influences who we become in the present moment.  They are somewhat transparent illusions of individuality, actually being connected to a bigger picture.  Human potential.  A window of what could be. I am also passionate about painting the male figure. I believe it is underrepresented in the art world, and strive to challenge that. My goal is to do bring a fresh perspective to the subject and to also represent my LGBTQIA community in a profound way.

My nature work grounds me…It is an escape and a way to anchor myself to the planet. When I’m really stressed, this is a subject I often lean towards for serenity.

I also enjoy the challenge of pure abstraction.  Abandoning representational work altogether.  Honing my abstract skills within the dream world.  Creating, connecting, and balancing color or textural formations, which is often times more difficult than realism in many different ways.

While painting, I question the nature of reality often, and the meaning of human existence…reflecting on the world being a mirage of something much deeper.  It is much more spiritual in a sense - the innate human need for connection, and belonging to something greater than ourselves.

My goal is also to represent the human psyche in a kaleidoscope of color.  Keeping in mind the deeper the shadows of life become, the brighter the light is on the other side.  Which is why I typically end with the light tones of paint, sitting on the surface, representing hope.  The process of creating art is what interests me - to enjoy the journey, with the destination as a goal.  I’m not necessarily interested in what is made, but how it’s made.