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Represented by Gallery Fifty-Six, Memphis, TN and Maison Rouge Gallery, Chicago, IL
ARTIST'S STATEMENT
The process of making art is central to my life; it is my passion. It seems I have always had a desire to paint, draw, or create some other type of visual art. I love the process and the product of art. Creating art provides me with challenges that involve the skills I have learned over the years.
Before you can understand how I make art, I would like to share a quote by Canadian painter Lawren Harris. He said, 'Paintings come out of themselves.' I truly believe this and it is how I approach my work. Most of my paintings are spontaneous and they simply evolve from the process of painting. I like to work in layers. Usually, the first thing I do is select a color scheme for the work I am about to complete (complimentary, analogous, split-compliment, triads, etc.). Then I start smearing paint around. I like to begin with a palette knife; I feel it is very freeing because its difficult to control the paint with a knife. As I push paint around, if I don't have a subject in mind, I'm thinking of one. Many times the paint spread on the canvas gives me ideas. It is like when you see images in the clouds. Sometimes I use tape to mask out areas or certain colors as I layer on other colors. As I apply the tape, I am aware of the composition I am designing. I like the surprises that come up when the tape is peeled away. Layer after layer, the painting almost begins to create itself. As the painting develops, I get more detailed in my work, using smaller brushes and more precise strokes.
My goal as a painter is twofold: to enjoy what I am doing and to make something that someone else will enjoy. What is art without an audience? Art is to be shared. I hope my work brings something of value to those who view it.
VITAE
Education: B.S., Art Education, Indiana University
