Artist's Statement

My paintings create portals of color that invite viewers into spaces for spiritual reflection. Energy, nature, and spirituality are recurrent motifs. Rich color schemes create movement and stretch visual boundaries of the canvas while creating a vibrant, transportive energy of introspection. This style represents a shift in my art and orientation which abruptly started more than a decade ago.

I experienced a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) when I was 34 years old. What had been an active, full life was reduced to basics. I had to re-learn to talk, walk, and struggled with activities of daily living. Whole segments of memory and skills—parts of personhood identity were gone or had receded far into the background. Art had been an integral part of my life, yet many wondered if I could ever return to it. My old life had ended. I resolved to reestablish my life and my art. 

I forced myself to learn to paint again. I used rubber bands to hold markers in my hand and practiced until I could manage brushes. Many of the old ways were lost. I relearned or created new methods that work better for me. During early stages of healing, I also experienced—witnessed—myriad, incredible images and colors that defy usual word descriptions—this became part of my renewed awareness. An intensified sense of color, being, and energy imbues my art. I began to realize that art is why I am here.

“WILL PAINT FOR CHANGE” was my first painting after the TBI. It captured my belief about the changing, healing power of art. I could not write, so I used stencils. I finger painted a lot of it and my fingerprints are visible. I now appreciate that “Will Paint for Change” was also a message to my future self. Painting for change, growth and healing is my passion and right livelihood. “Will Paint for Change” is a primary color scheme with those words in the painting’s foreground. Yellow rays surround a red heart. At the center of this 4’ x 4’ canvas is a very intentional blue handprint over the heart; like a pledge or some ancient handprint in a cave signifying to future incarnations that “I was here.”

Currently, I am working on compositions containing circles within squares. Questions about who we are and why we are here inspire my work, leading me to explore concepts about connection, universal love, and transcendence. Influences include mandalas, Zen Circles, waves, and rhythmic patterns.

My work is available to view and purchase on this website and other locations. Go to the “NOW SHOWING” page for more Information