My Artist Statement

My abstract paintings encapsulate my perception of the natural world. Nestled in my studio, surrounded by the rugged and dramatic landscapes of weathered cliffs, ancient forests, and shifting tides, I find endless inspiration. Using cold wax and oil, I aim to evoke a sense of timelessness embedded within these landscapes. Through scraping, scratching, and dissolving layers, then rebuilding them, I reveal glimpses into the hidden depths and remnants left behind.

Texture is a cornerstone of my work. During my daily hikes through the coastal landscape, I am drawn to the tactile experiences of nature, from the smoothness of a cool stone to the roughness of bark. My paintings incorporate a variety of textures to invite tactile engagement, offering an invitation to experience the essence of natural elements through touch.

I work intuitively, with each alteration to a painting leading to new, unplanned compositions. I respond to the evolving canvas by making further changes, akin to solving a puzzle—each piece shapes the next. I am particularly captivated by spontaneous line work, often creating loops and swirls that symbolize freedom and untamed landscapes.

Joan Mitchell’s philosophy deeply resonates with me: “I paint from remembered landscapes that I carry with me - and remembered feelings of them, which of course become transformed. I could certainly never mirror nature.” This mirrors my own approach as I transform the essence of nature into my personal visual language.