Artist Statement

As a multi-media artist, I design and construct both two and three dimensional art. Painting with acrylics and printmaking results sometimes in a completed work; just as often, these elements become part of an assemblage, along with metal, stone, and reclaimed objects where I place man-made materials next to natural processes. Backlighting stone such as onyx further enhances some of my sculptures.

My work is abstract and I seek out influences that guide me toward combining elements of opposite form. For example, I'm drawn to the geometric and predictable shapes found in great architecture or paintings by Piet Mondrian. I then strive for balance by adding contrast through layering of line, color and texture that holds the movement of Jackson Pollack or Gustav Klimt. Robert Smithson's earthwork explorations inspire me to think about simplicity and careful placement of disparate materials and textures alongside one another, and of possibilities in conceptualizing man beside nature - of all that can be stated and implied through the scale and minimalism of a composition. along with metal, stone, and reclaimed objects where I place man-made materials next to natural processes. Backlighting stone such as onyx further enhances some of my sculptures.

Building 'discarded, found, reclaimed' objects - into mixed media constructions, I'm curious about these items, their original function, interested in who designed them, and what thought processes went into the design. I enjoy the challenge of seeking out the particular objects that draw me to them; to be placed into a new context, designing in a way that allows these disparate objects and materials to complement each other and at the same time, enhancing their individuality. along with metal, stone, and reclaimed objects where I place man-made materials next to natural processes. Backlighting stone such as onyx further enhances some of my sculptures.

Conceptually, I see a strong parallel to the human condition, our evolution through discarding, finding, reclaiming, to then remake ourselves - continually - all of this manifesting itself in various art forms i.e. our personal style (clothes, hair, automobile we drive), the art we choose for our home and work spaces, the people with whom we associate. This interweaving of life and art reminds me of the power of communication through art and drives my desire to create both the functional, as well as those works that simply please the eye.

Dec 13, 2007