[ S T A T E M E N T ]

“I was cutting lemons early this spring, when my emotions were particularly raw. I realized how beautiful the light and colors were especially because of the shadows. Such trials bring out the best and worst in us as they continually shape and define us. Although I'm grateful for a well-lit easy path, I love the unexpected beauty found only in the shadows.”

Painting is my way of bringing order to the chaos and taking a break from the pressures of daily life.

My small paintings are watercolor on gator board that I have covered with gesso. This process allows me to explore the natural qualities of watercolor. I often use a subtractive technique by rewetting the paint and pulling it from the painting. I find beauty in the so-called imperfections as the paint puddles, bleeds and stains the surface. I use this same technique with my larger pieces, but they are painted on stretched canvas rather than board.

Almost all of my paintings contain colors and subject matter found in nature. I usually focus in on a single bird, a cloud or a specific section of the horizon, creating an almost oversimplified landscape. While my smaller work gives the viewer a more intimate perspective; I also love the arresting nature a larger piece conversely offers. Whether painted small or large, by studying the details of just one aspect of life, I am able to make sense of the chaos that is found in life as a whole.