My studio is a large, light filled space at the end of a dirt road. Very quiet. I need solitude and uninterrupted blocks of time in which to work. There, I build my own wooden formats ranging in size from two feet to five feet. I work on wood, rather than paper or canvas, so I can manipulate the surface, adding layers of acrylic paint rubbed back to show what went before. I want to indicate that time has passed.
My imagery is more felt than known. More and more it is about space and time and energy rather than a recognizable object. I don’t usually draw or consciously prepare for a painting but work on more than one at a time adding color and more color. The pieces seem to take off from each other and, if I am paying attention, tell me what to do.
Currently I am experimenting with a softer, more subtle look using two separate mediums; faux encaustic using acrylic mediums and wax encaustic using pigment and beeswax. I like the mystery of the waxy look, and new materials and ideas keep my work fresh.
The artists who have most inspired me are: Matisse (of course), Picasso (because he often left his mistakes as a part of the piece), Milton Avery (great shapes) and the Minoan frescos of Crete from 3000 BC (for their flatness and colors). Currently I am interested in the work of Squeak Carnwath, T.L. Lange and the quilts from Gee’s Bend. I also am very aware of light, negative space, color itself, balance and the awkwardness of the human condition.
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