Artist Statement
My work is inspired by interconnection, healing, transformation, and growth. I find myself drawn to qualities embodied by various animals and play off these associations as I create each piece. Plants, flowers, and other imagery help to tell the story of each piece.
A number of my pieces feature animal pairs in a state of harmony. Buddhism stresses that we’re interconnected; most troubles and concerns are universal. In these animal pieces I link animals visually with plants and colors to show unity and caring relationships.
The single animals explore a wider span of themes, but I aim to reveal inner experiences in a way that connects to the viewer. In “Fading Buffalo” the animal is sturdy and strong, but is also transient as his back disintegrates into the sky. “Cosmic Dog” depicts a friendly, fluffy animal, but there is also mystery in him and a connection to the cosmos. Each animal piece explores the relationship between the animal, it’s surroundings, and itself.
Currently I enjoy using spray paint because it has a sense of discovery similar to developing photographs; it’s uncertain how the paint will fall on the page… will it be hazy, opaque, splattered? I also use ink, gouache, and watercolors to add unique details to the stenciled pieces. The delicate materials soften the pieces while the spray painted elements add structure.
The large-scale paintings, which are older works, are abstract self-portraits that aim to relate to the viewer’s own inner state. I represent the idea of transformation by depicting figures that are being broken up by shapes or plants. Within many of the figures are flowers or organic shapes, which, for me, symbolize growth, health, and vitality. Unhealthy or negative aspects are usually represented by darker colors and shadowy spaces.
A number of my pieces feature animal pairs in a state of harmony. Buddhism stresses that we’re interconnected; most troubles and concerns are universal. In these animal pieces I link animals visually with plants and colors to show unity and caring relationships.
The single animals explore a wider span of themes, but I aim to reveal inner experiences in a way that connects to the viewer. In “Fading Buffalo” the animal is sturdy and strong, but is also transient as his back disintegrates into the sky. “Cosmic Dog” depicts a friendly, fluffy animal, but there is also mystery in him and a connection to the cosmos. Each animal piece explores the relationship between the animal, it’s surroundings, and itself.
Currently I enjoy using spray paint because it has a sense of discovery similar to developing photographs; it’s uncertain how the paint will fall on the page… will it be hazy, opaque, splattered? I also use ink, gouache, and watercolors to add unique details to the stenciled pieces. The delicate materials soften the pieces while the spray painted elements add structure.
The large-scale paintings, which are older works, are abstract self-portraits that aim to relate to the viewer’s own inner state. I represent the idea of transformation by depicting figures that are being broken up by shapes or plants. Within many of the figures are flowers or organic shapes, which, for me, symbolize growth, health, and vitality. Unhealthy or negative aspects are usually represented by darker colors and shadowy spaces.