ARTIST'S STATEMENT
As a painter I am concerned with the formal aspects of design and composition, a beautifully
rendered surface, and the ongoing improvement of technique. The use of layers, patterns and
placement are tools for the manipulation of perception. I recognize that factual realism is
deeply rooted in abstraction and I embrace that dichotomy, therefore, not bound by any one
technique I stand on the shoulders of art history, utilizing wide-ranging styles and mediums
in an attempt to reach a little higher.
As an image-maker I look to history, science, philosophy, technology, pop culture and the mundane
for inspiration. I am an eclectic collector of visual information archiving fragments of existence
from the Internet, books, movies, television and the everyday absurdity of modern American life.
Through chance, intuition and humor I arrange disparate fragments of imagery to find new relationships
of meaning that suit my conceptual goals.
As an artist I am a punch line documentarian, an embedded reporter digesting experience and emitting a
personal translation of perception. At first glance much of my work has the impact a stop sign on a
dark night. Some are a slap in the face, some a mere tap on the shoulder, meant to reach out and grab
an audience of ever decreasing attention span. A closer inspection of the anatomy reveals a manufactured
collaboration of objects and images with multiple layers of meaning. The work is seldom planned allowing
concept to develop at pace with the activity. Each work is individual, with a unique personality, open to
viewer interaction and interpretation.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
My work covers a wide range of subjects, styles,
and techniques, as well as, art historical and contemporary issues.
Primarily a painter, I explore the contrast and similarity between realism
and abstraction. I seek new ground through the combination of seemingly
contrasting techniques and styles, hoping to express the duality inherent
in all aspects of life through imagery that is both eclectic and meaningful.
EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
One side of successful art instruction is the development of technical proficiency
over mediums, a practical understanding of the core concepts of visual art and the
instilling of self-discipline. Students must build a strong base of fundamental
skills and should learn to articulate their ideas in a way that is meaningful through
hard work and dedication. The other side is creating an environment that facilitates
open-minded exploration, experimentation and self-expression. Students can learn more
from the frustration of a failed experiment than from a habit of repeating successes.
I encourage students to explore their own individual direction offering guidance where
needed. When this approach is combined with discussions on content and formal issues,
art history and contemporary directions students develop the skills, confidence and
discipline that all artists need to express their ideas visually.
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