Artist Statement

In my work, I explore the abstract art-making process and how it impacts my final result.  I embrace chance and spontaneity and use them both in my work. I enjoy practicing all types of art and find great meaning in itself from different forms of expression, however I have two more distinct practices that I always go back to: representational and processed-based automatic abstraction.

My planned representational work is surreal and the lines are closed and tight, they often depict a scene or a character and can be identified as real objects such as a fish or plant.  My abstract, processed-based automatic paintings are led by line and color only and often are made through subconscious motions, like letting music guide the paintbrush or using emotions to dictate where paint is placed.  Despite their differences, these two paths for my work still have many elements in common including optical illusions and color, and they also balance one another as I need one discipline to be able to make the other.

 I use mediums like watercolor, pen, acrylic and oil paint to help me keep a loose and less controlled structure to my work, even if I do have solidified sketches and planned out elements.  This variety of mediums helps me to explore new textures, details and colors. I also utilize lots of color and natural elements in my work and I seek to play into a positive and attention-grabbing style that may evoke a happy feeling. 

Themes that I work with are: color theory, nature, sci-fi and fantasy. I use the concept of automatic drawing to come up with new ideas in my sketching phases, and often use it in my final paintings.  I really think about how others will feel when viewing my work and often ask myself, “How does the audience feel and what do they experience when looking at the work?”  This question guides me as I approach every new drawing or painting.