Artist Statement:
My characters began to develop as a teenager, when I forced myself to rely on pure instinct
by finishing multiple pieces within a short period of time. This
experience, which generated a large collection of work, culminated in deep
character development and forever altered my vision as an artist. By
tapping deeply into that part of my imagination hitherto uncovered, my
characters suddenly began to reveal themselves around every corner.
Today, when I sit down to design a piece, it appears on the canvas before I
even reach for a brush. My work is most influenced by the subtle images
of everyday life. Each day briefs a fresh life experience that further
enriches my visual diary. My style is at once deeply defined and fluid,
constantly transforming. Elements of my personal perception of the
subject weave into the painting and are part and parcel of each image and
symbol. Only upon completing a piece do I discover what it is, can be,
and strives to represent. Bold vibrant colors and decorative details help
me to enhance the intensity of each painting. The
Red Dog in every piece is meant as a personal mark and signature image.
Its origin began in the first series of impulse paintings.
The history of Red Dog
When I was fifteen, and away for the summer at Interlochen Arts camp, I found out that our dog Bentley (a black and white shih tzu) had been chomped by another dog. I was so upset I started a series of paintings in which the Red Dog came to be. That entire summer the Red Dog appeared in every piece I produced. I have always loved the "Where's Waldo" idea and thought it would be an interesting element to tie all my pieces together. It became a signature without signing. Needless to say Red Dog was born out of a tragedy, but Bentley lives on...