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"Still Thoughts" explores the role that inanimate
objects and symbols play in activating memories and telling stories. While the
content is reminiscent of the still life tradition, the elements remain
suspended in space and like memory, some objects are drawn out and
illuminated, while others disappear into shadows obscured by layers of paint
and collage.
Other works offer theatrical narratives with figurative elements and non-conventional and often times abstract settings. These animated paintings investigate common themes of the human experience and different emotional states of being. Everyday life, objects and events, my memories and travels inform my paintings. The works serve as an obscure journal of sorts, simultaneously documenting my own experiences and creating a fictional narrative. The narrative, which is furthered by the repetition of symbols throughout the series, invites viewers to create their own stories. Likewise, I have been playing with the physical arrangement of the paintings as a function of storytelling. Compositionally, I am interested in the fusion of abstract surfaces with representational imagery. I begin by treating the surface sculpturally, by drilling into the Masonite or cutting out boxes for diorama-style vignettes. Continuing, I form collages of mixed media (including wallpaper, paint, wax, paper and fabric), with interweaving layers of representational imagery. Technically, it is important to me that the material process of creating the paintings coincides with the emotional aspect of the work. |
