ARTIST STATEMENT
 
Over the years as I developed as an artist, I came to the realization that the process of creating a piece of art intrigues me as much as its subject matter. I am never satisfied with using one medium exclusively and always attempt to combine several.

The National Parks of Utah have been the inspiration for this budding new group of paintings. I have used the color, topography and texture of the landscape as the starting point to create abstract paintings.

I always endeavor to create work that is complex and multi-layered. With this group of paintings I start the process by painting the canvas with broad, gestural strokes, paying close attention to the choice of this initial color. I then spray the canvas with water, drop paint on it and tilt the canvas to aid its movement around. While this layer is still damp I spray rubbing alcohol to select areas, which causes the paint to “bloom,” revealing the base color and creating intricate, unexpected patterns.

I complicate this blossoming image further by using woodblocks and rubber stamps to create yet more new marks and patterns. For this step I use geometric wooden textile blocks from India, always attentive to the choice and distribution of color.

Next comes the building up of textures. I rake through gels, pastes and clear gessoes using hardware implements. Pumice gels recreate the gritty texture of the land, and molding paste is carved to emulate other landscape features.

The painting arises from this base of color, pattern and texture. The application of paint revels in the planes of the Utah landscape, dense and transparent, fluid and rock solid. I want to strike a mood, to create a sense of place and time, sometimes delicate at other times powerful. I attempt to guide the organic growth of the painting with great care. Intuition is my greatest tool and interpretation is left to the beholder.

I endeavor to transport the viewer beyond the lure of color and subject matter. I want him to feel the intensity of my commitment.