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Artist Statement

My paintings are an abstract attempt to capture the feeling of standing in a waterfall. I paint in oil on canvas in sizes ranging from 11”x 14” to 48”x 60”. Recently, I spent some time standing in waterfalls. I hiked the waterfalls of Jamaica, Hawaii and Portland, Oregon. Because my father designed irrigation systems in California, I had a sudden moment of clarity which lead me to dedicate my artisitic efforts to publicize the need for clean water. As a child most of our vacations involved viewing dams and waterways. I was aware of the need for clean water, it’s basic contribution to life and our food sources. My father died 5 years ago maintaining a strong belief in water as a necessity of life. He instilled in me a strong respect for the importance of building and maintaining clean waterways throughout the world. In his memory, I have committed to donating a portion of the proceeds from my paintings to support such environmental issues. I have started an account with the Environmental Defense Fund to that end.

In my career as a costume designer, I have experimented with images, shapes and textures. In my paintings I strive for depth, movement and color harmony. My first two painting shows were much more literal and figurative. This work is deeper, more emotional and symbolic. It is important to me to creaate a message.

When I studied at Art Center, I was influenced by Jerry McMillan as a teacher who at the time was doing landscape dioramas inside metal bags. I am fascinated by the spatial use of the abstract expressionists, and hope to achieve the depth of color of Rousseau and Magritte. I admire the work of Astrid Preston in her depiction of nature. Matt Lamb's aspiration to communicate spirts resonates in my work. De Kooning's tenacity and constant reinvention inspire me. Raushcenberg's passionate pursuit of his art until his final days give me hope. It is the aim of my work to communicate with as many people as possible evoking a powerful longing toward the play of luminosity on the vibration of life, and in doing so to aid the environment.