Creating art has been a fascinating,
joyful journey for me for over 40 years.
I was born in Detroit, spent my teen years in northern Indiana During and after undergraduate school I worked at the South Bend Regional Museum of Art, and was a founding member of a cooperative art space. In 1988 I moved to Virginia to earn an MFA at Radford University. I've happily made Roanoke, VA my home since 1993. I worked for several years at the Art Museum of Western VA, ending my tenure as Director of Education.
Since 2000 I've been sole proprietor of a residential painting business specializing in custom wall finishes. In addition to making paintings and experiencing art, I love gathering with friends (or striking out alone) to experience the exhilarating serenity of hiking, biking, kayaking, walking, gardening, and just Being outdoors. I view humans as a small part within nature, and seek ways to reveal and restore our innate connection to the planet and each other.
joyful journey for me for over 40 years.
I was born in Detroit, spent my teen years in northern Indiana During and after undergraduate school I worked at the South Bend Regional Museum of Art, and was a founding member of a cooperative art space. In 1988 I moved to Virginia to earn an MFA at Radford University. I've happily made Roanoke, VA my home since 1993. I worked for several years at the Art Museum of Western VA, ending my tenure as Director of Education.
Since 2000 I've been sole proprietor of a residential painting business specializing in custom wall finishes. In addition to making paintings and experiencing art, I love gathering with friends (or striking out alone) to experience the exhilarating serenity of hiking, biking, kayaking, walking, gardening, and just Being outdoors. I view humans as a small part within nature, and seek ways to reveal and restore our innate connection to the planet and each other.
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I learned how to draw and paint from life as an undergraduate, focusing on figure drawing and painting landscapes en plein air. For the last 25 years my paintings use shape, color, and textures more than any literal imagery to evoke and convey feelings. While illustrational elements occasionally appear in my work, I'm more intrigued by the power of "wordless" poetics. I'm drawn to the creative spontaneity, quest for harmony, and rigor within other disciplines like jazz music and poetry. Paraphrasing a songwriting friend, when I am truly aware, I discover symphonies everywhere. I like to allow the process to define the direction of each work.
My paintings are built without a plan, and blossom best when I don't overly control how they grow. My goal while working is balancing "letting go" while remaining conscious of the act of creating. I especially enjoy the challenge of creating works that retain a presence without having a defined "literal" subject. I strive to make rich works that are compelling and have a sustaining inner harmony. When successful, my touch and individuality are minimized; my role is to be a vehicle for sharing what's come into being. |
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