I work in multiple mediums but painting is my primary, and photography is also important to my process. I see interesting compositions throughout my day and I use a camera to store them so that I can potentially spend the time painting them later on. I believe that one does not have to look for inspiration in far off and obscure places in order to make good art, so I use this process to teach myself to further appreciate the ordinary. Appreciating the ordinary is important to me because it helps me to be happy wherever I am regardless of life’s changes.
The images I have chosen to depict are fragments of natural landscape and the human figure. In both of these themes, I incorporate movement and/or light as main ideas. Movement is important to me because life is always changing, and within the moving there is always a perspective to be found that will make it beautiful. My interest in light comes from a desire to illuminate dull edges and discover exciting contrasts. I am also interested in the way light and speed can be communicated in a static way.
After moving from the fast-paced lifestyle of the East coast to the wild land of Colorado, I became inspired by change instead of being afraid of it. Over time I learned to appreciate the truthful way nature interacts with itself and with people, and I began to see the lessons it can teach. The un-manipulated honesty of the mountains, the sky, the quiet beauty of plant life and the movement of life within all these things bring out my zeal for life. I see a trustworthiness in nature that I can always count on to be beautiful no matter what the season may be. It brings me to a place of being present and lets me step out of the way of anxious and clouded thoughts. When I am surrounded only by wild beauty and away from other‘s thoughts and feelings, the silence of isolation makes me realize that the only loudness is my mind. I use my art to help me feel connected to these surroundings and to show appreciation for the opportunity I have here. Seeing the goodness that is reflected in forms and interactions of natural light, mountains, trees and anything within nature, helps me believe everything will be okay because the power holding those things together is also holding me the same way. I want to help point my viewers to also find the hope that is consistently being offered.