Artist Statement
Mixing the Formal and Personal in Non-objective Paintings
2011
My background is in painting, printmaking and photography. Each medium is ultimately a 2-dimensional mix of lines and shapes, order and disorder. Despite this, each is distinct in process and offers unique visual qualities. I find that they are mutually enhancing.
My recent artwork materials are acrylic paint on canvas, reduction woodblock printmaking, monoprinting and silkscreen. My imagery is initiated on Adobe Photoshop and developed from there. Digital artwork allows many versions of an idea to exist and be available at any time in the future. Ideas can be developed then remain with other compositions for further resolution. My laptop now serves as my sketchbook. After the initial phase of work on the computer, compositions continue to develop, especially with decisions about color, surface texture, tonal gradations and other formal considerations.
I'm also maintaining a long-term series of small collages called "Amalgam". They are 5"X5" and seem to progress of their own accord. I don't have any very revealing explanation of what they are all about except to say that they have momentum. They are a stand-alone serieswhich doesn't seem to relate immediately to other work I am doing. There are currently around 300 of them. They are comprised of bits and pieces from all the printmaking processes with which I am involved.
Imagery for all my work is abstract, however is not inspired only by basic geometric shapes. I also imply the human form, animal and plant shapes and landscape. Different pieces suggest humor, chaos, peacefulness and playfulness. The titles are my own perception of what the piece suggests and reflect only my own personal reading. Titles come after the work is completed. Once the pieces are resolved and complete, they exist apart from me and I view them as anyone else would. My goal is to have the pieces have complexity, mystery and intelligence that keeps me interested and engaged over time.
In "Landscapes of War", I'm interested in the idea of aerial views of landscape. Visually, they are fields of shapes and forms which are different than what can be seen from land. As a specific approach to the genre of landscape painting, there is no horizon line, instead the field of vision is filled as an allover composition. In "Landscapes of War" the overall approach is calligraphic and line becomes the dominant element.
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