About My Work
My work is firmly rooted in the tradition of fine art that speaks the language of paint. This differentiates me from artists whose work is more focused on rendering or manipulating photographic images. My early art practice began in the mid 1970's and focused on painterly painting in which one's mark and sense of touch was very important. An intuitive approach that emphasised sensiblity and process rather that content was key. I studied with teachers that were closely associated with the California Bay Area painters as well as East Coast abstract painters.
My current work is a melding of different stylistic approaches from American, European and East Indian painting that all celebrate the beauty and importance of nature, our surroundings and everyday life. In each piece, shape, color and pattern lead the viewer into a world that emanates its own particular light and space. Instead of using linear perspective I often use a more narrative and abstract approach that incorporates multiple points of view. The scenes are at once familiar and exotic, combining grounding architectural elements with stylized plants and trees and figures.
I begin the paintings with a loose painterly approach with water based paints that flow freely to create the overall structure and color balance.
I then cut shapes of fabric, scarves and paper to over-lay and under-lay with the paint.The crisp cut edges juxtaposed with the painterly strokes add to it's unique sensibility. The eclectic array of vintage fabrics from the 1940's to the present flavor the pieces with references to our recent past culture.
My aim is to evoke all the senses, transport the viewer and bring a feeling of optimistic expectation.
