artist statement                                                             november 2024

In contrast to my former daily structure of work as an architect, when I paint, I prefer not to plan, sketch, or overly mentalize my approach. I want to progress organically, flow mark to mark, stroke to stroke, and respond intuitively. Often, my painting sessions are acts of meditation, occasionally becoming periods of self-analysis, and are always an exploration and investigation of the materials.

My abstract work often suggests a place, real or imagined. I like to work in plan, section, aerial, macro, micro viewpoints, and I enjoy obscuring my and the viewers perspective. I aim for visual movement, rhythm, contrast and balance in my compositions. I strive to remain engaged in the experience and discovery of the process until the piece is complete.

Encaustic paint is a compelling medium. Working with wax has more physicality than painting with other mediums. There is scraping, layering, inscribing, digging, melting, cooling, and various changes of state involved. Hidden layers can be revealed, adding textures and patterns can obscure. Items can be embedded, collaged, and infinitely manipulated. Multiple tools may be utilized and investigated; brushes, palette knives, irons, mark making with found objects. There is a mad chemistry of color, heat, fusion, texture and marks, and endless explorations of the nature of the wax; its opaqueness, translucence, atmospheric and grounded qualities. There is also the fear and thrill of using a blow torch to gently fuse the wax while not burning down the house, your hair, or the piece you are working on. I enjoy simply to be engaged in a project and have fun.

Thank You for your interest.