Artist Statement

My art explores the relational, emotional and psychic aspects of ourselves. Within myself, I uncover the interaction of these three aspects by focusing on the tensions created by their dualities. These underlying conflicts give rise to further questioning and probing. I then synthesize the choices made, the enlightenment or confusion discovered, and the consequences that are the result. Through the use of intuitive gesture and intentional control, I seek a balanced expression of the opposites.

For example, my Obtuse Writing prints probe communications that are both known and hidden within myself. These writings originate from using my dominate hand to ask questions and my non-dominate hand to answer. Surprisingly, this process unearths long forgotten and sometimes unknown, unconscious ruins. By printing the answers backward, the archetypal, symbolic nature of the now-known memories visually match the power of the communications.

I have been working in the serigraph medium for the past 18 years. This printmaking process is an indirect, reproductive method that, conversely, allows me personally to be spontaneous and experimental. Using a variety of typical and uncommon tools, I achieve textures that loosen the standard, hard-edge look of silkscreen printing. Yet, I can also take advantage of the uniquely strong color and multiple images associated with the silkscreen method.

Biography

I was born, raised and educated in Texas. My earliest works were conceived as hard-edged, figurative images employing flat planes of pastel colors on canvas. In the late 80's, my studies of Carl Jung's theories of dreams and symbols inaugurated my exploration of the abstract. My experience of the power beyond everyday awareness contained in abstract images transformed both the focus and medium of my work. Seeking a medium that would support a transition toward abstract art while complementing my signature use of flat colors and hard-edged images, I chose a move from painting to serigraph printmaking. The printmaking medium opened new avenues for development of artistic process, personal reflection, and experiment with color, form and texture. I strive for bold simplicity and depth of feeling in tension with an aggressive use of line and color. I have gone beyond the flat hard edge look that is associated with silkscreen printing to more of a painterly textured style in the way I layer the inks. I continue to direct my energies toward the development of process, color theory, aesthetic impulse, technique and innovation.