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My
current works are varying forms of abstract self-portrait. My
inspiration comes from my self-image, internal dialogue and dream
imagery. I typically begin my work by capturing ideas via ink
illustrations on paper, and then further develop my images and
concepts through acrylic painting.
Career Highlights
I am
an emerging and newly-active Bay Area artist. I began studying art
informally as an adult, and have now been painting for about a dozen
years. I have recently begun exhibiting and am becoming active in
the art community. I am passionately continuing to explore and
develop my art.
Bio
Brisbane City Hall exhibit. Brisbane, Calif. September 2005
Turning Point exhibit, Coastal Art League Gallery. Half Moon Bay,
Calif. October 2005
“Signs
of Art” blog --
http://signs-of-art.blogspot.com/
Volunteer docent,
Peninsula Museum of Art, 2005
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Artist Statement
Through my paintings I explore the complex and intense nature of my
own identity and the constant undercurrent of my emotions.
This
undercurrent is built on the daily dichotomy of living both a
demanding, controlled corporate life and a quiet, internal artist’s
life. It comes from painful past experiences as well as an
irrepressible desire to do something meaningful. The text in one of
my paintings says, “Dream, dream, won’t go away.” This captures
the motivation and passion of my artwork. All of my dreams— both
past and present, both painful and hopeful— are a living part of me,
finding release and expression through the canvas.
In essence, my
paintings are all abstract self-portrait-- whether through direct,
figurative representation or through scattered shapes, lines and
colors that capture the pattern of my emotions and motivations. My
inspiration comes from my literal, physical view of myself, as well
as my internal dialogue and intuitive self-image. Bodies and faces
are interwoven with the symbols and patterns around me, as well as
an internal sense of movement, shape and speech.
I typically
begin my pieces by capturing ideas via ink illustrations on paper.
I then develop the images through acrylic paintings. I like the
heavy texture and immediacy of acrylic paint because it allows me to
work quickly, as I envision and create depth and layers of color. I
also combine ink with paint, for precision of line, sharp contrast,
and for combining the written word with painted images.
I explore
variations of my face and identity. In one piece, there are four
fractured, repeating images. In two others, I combine key words
with my image, literally capturing the thoughts on my mind, writing
them over and around the image of my face. I utilize repetitive
themes and patterns including figures with reaching arms, and
swirling, intertwined circles. I also incorporate cascading,
step-ladder squares that convey both barriers and pathways. |
