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What makes an artist is sometimes complex. One
thing is for certain, I thrive to paint. Though sometimes draining, at
other times exhilarating, painting is an extreme positive in my life. I was
born in Los Angeles, raised in Southern California, and began drawing during
childhood. My mother was an artist. My father, a minister, has a
talent for playing and performing music. I have always been surrounded
by creativity.
After a 14-year career in Civil Engineering drafting, which included
teaching at a community college, I wanted to shake off the uniformity of
engineering. My life evolved, and painting became my passion in life.
I love the freedom in painting. Many of my paintings deal with my
inner self and complexities. Painting seems to be therapeutic; it
takes the edge off. Living and hiking in the high desert of California
is very influential on my work. Rocks, dirt, textures, earth, nature,
spirituality, and the positive contribute to my inspiration. I am also
influenced by the lives and experiences of others; the wars of the world,
urban blight, addictions, poverty. Though my work on occasion seems
dark, my expression is speaking of the pain and hurt we sometimes encounter
in our life. I hope my paintings will stir emotions that we cannot
always openly express.
Perhaps the largest contributor to my work is music, a very important part
of my life. I can work in my studio with music at deafening levels and
sink into another realm. It allows me out of my own thoughts, and the
painting to flow more universally. The beat, tempo and message often
translate directly onto the canvas.
The materials I use are varied, though I most often rely on acrylic. I also
work with spray paint, oil sticks, ink, gesso, dried plants and found
objects. I like to use texture in my work. I also refer to my
experience in drafting when drawing or applying structure and balance to a
painting. My work often rides the fence between the abstract and the
figurative. It doesn't translate easily to a common form.
Painting is a passion I feel fortunate to have in my life. I hope you
will enjoy my work and it will move you in a provocative way.
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