I create my paintings using iconic imagery. These
depictions stir, not only my imagination, but
the viewers as well. I choose to allow each of
us to come to our own conclusions as to what a
specific symbol means. An apple could signify
wholesomeness and health or Eve dooming us all
to exile. What you choose to interpret is up to you.
The intrigue of my paintings is that they invite you
to think, and to invent your own narrative. As
we evolve and bring new parts of ourselves to the
image, we will see and discern all new meanings
in them, keeping them fresh and relevant.
The execution of the painting is much easier to
explain. I most often use acrylics or oils on wood
for most of my work. The hard nature of the
wood allows me to manipulate the surface before,
during and after the paint is applied. Many layers
of ground are laid down first to make the work as
archival as possible. The ground not only protects
the layers of paint but also can be manipulated into
a variety of textures. When the paint is applied,
and still wet, tools are often used to carve into the
pigment, drawing the subject in its surroundings.
Many layers of glazed, transparent colors are
then added to create the desired mood. Often,
even when the work appears to be finished, I will
continue to work into the surface of the painting
to give additional force to the image.
Special thanks to the Winter
Garden Art Association for their
partnership in bringing their
Featured Artist to our readers.
NOVEMBER 2017
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WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE
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31