The natural world has long inspired me and motivates me to share our connection to nature through my abstract expressionist paintings. Inspired by the rocky headland trails of the Bluffs of Bodega Head in Northern California, this particular painting created for the Imagery Estate Winery label references my interest in the organic shapes, varied lines and textures of the land and sea. The title offers a glimpse of the meaning behind the painting itself which refers to the spectacular views, magical atmosphere and interactive experiences in this significant and rich environment. Because I am also inspired by poetry, my painting titles are influenced by nature poems that correspond to life and humanity.
Working with observational photos, I use abstraction methods and techniques along with various tools and brushes to begin the building of paint layers on canvas. The painting process evolves within my relationship to the created marks, colors and shapes. Working intuitively with oil paint, I patiently disturb the layers by covering and revealing, altering and adjusting the composition. The result is what I refer to as “abstract explorations” and the painting experience becomes a metaphor for the forces that shape us as human beings.
By engaging viewers’ memory and imagination, I hope to cultivate an awareness of the connection we share with the natural world, an extension of our inner world, experiences and existence.
My art references the natural world, based on observation, in which nature is seen as a reflection of the human condition. I am inspired by the physical and sensory qualities of natural environments and my emotional connection to these places and atmospheres. My painting process is a free expression of my feelings, resulting in abstract explorations.
With allusions to nature’s essence of color, organic shapes and varied textures, I work intuitively with brushes and tools, patiently disturbing surface layers by covering and revealing, altering and adjusting. While the paint suggests a path through the work as it develops, the process evolves within my relationship to the marks. I keep some of these and hide others, knowing all that has preceded. This experience of painting becomes a metaphor for the internal and external forces that shape us as human beings.
By engaging viewers’ memory and imagination, I hope to promote attention and appreciation of place. My ultimate intention is to cultivate an awareness of the connection between the natural world and human emotions, experiences and existence.
