statement

ARTIST'S STATEMENT

RESUME
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When I first identified myself as a painter my work was mainly figurative. As a young artist I believed I needed to depict recognizable forms from nature in order to reflect the human condition. I embarked on the challenge of creating non-objective or abstract work starting in 1981. I realized this approach to painting afforded me more freedom from the figure/ground relationship of my earlier works.

In my work I determine the depth of field at various points in the picture plane. My approach allows me to maintain an open framework in my methodology. I make deliberate decisions to create ambiguities and tensions between shallow and deep space. I stop short of letting recognizable form appear. Instead it is a matter of form as energy. I continue to challenge myself and am always working to refine the color palette. I make determinations when to use more saturated or subtle colors so as to orchestrate greater complexity in the color harmony.

I have also recently added a variety of textural elements to my pieces. Some are cannibalized from works on paper which I cut up and incorporate into the paintings on panel or canvas. Sometimes I let the content of these collage elements show, and sometimes they are buried and survive only as shapes which change the elevation of the ground. In any case they interrupt the calligraphic and painterly elements of the work in a stimulating manner.