The Human Spirit
Narrative is a key element in my art, and as a visual storyteller I often use color, texture and text to enhance the subject matter which is either painted or reimagined from found images. However, these paintings are purposefully more ethereal using a smaller hue selection. The watercolor effect of the acrylic on textured canvas is meant to reflect more of the Human Spirit than emphasizing the physical body. These paintings celebrate the character, personality, soul and sometimes the memory of individuals. The loosely painted black and white figures express the spiritual aspect of a person in a concrete color-filled world.
Available Works:
Ink and Watercolor on Paper
Spray Paint and Acrylic
Acrylic, Oil and Charcoal
She's Leaving Home
Charcoal
See of Humanity : Watercolor
“See of Humanity” is a watercolor series of collaged faces inspired by my belief that everyone is precious and equal regardless of imposed social stigmas. Represented in these paintings are a collection of contrasting skin tones, cultures and ages pieced together to create a unified image. Any arrogance of treating others as less than human tears apart the very fiber of who we are just as the tears in the reference photos reveal a violent irreparable event. These watercolors of torn photos with ripped ragged edges cannot be fixed, but can be mended or stuck back together, and by painting watercolors of the collages. The compositions become forever mended on one sheet of paper. These paintings are a prayer that together we can bond beyond socio-economic, racial, or political variances and perhaps see each other more clearly as our differences are embraced and celebrated.
Available Works:
Yobitsugi Portraits
Acrylic and Gold Lacquer on mended 8"plates
The Japanese term ‘Kintsugi’, meaning ‘golden joinery’, refers to the art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer that is dusted or mixed with powdered gold.
“Yobitsugi” “Yobi” means to call and “tsugi” means to connect. Rather than only using pieces from the original ceramic object, Yobitsugi incorporates “foreign” pieces from other objects to mend the broken ceramic item.
These plate portraits are a continued study of the "See of Humanity" watercolor series which addresses the common humanity of all of us regardless of point of origin.
“Yobitsugi” “Yobi” means to call and “tsugi” means to connect. Rather than only using pieces from the original ceramic object, Yobitsugi incorporates “foreign” pieces from other objects to mend the broken ceramic item.
These plate portraits are a continued study of the "See of Humanity" watercolor series which addresses the common humanity of all of us regardless of point of origin.
SEEN : Figurative Series
How do you see another human?
To live fully we need real connection with other people. My portraits invite you to imagine the unseen souls of others like you and not like you. Dive into the abstracted areas of the painting, relax and swim around in the unexpected colors and textures and tread among the realistic details. Move from their eyes, over their skin tones, to their heart. Thought provoking and at times playful elements, such as sparrows and other birds, assist in your visual journey to the heart of the subject.
My hope is that you emerge from the faces I paint changed and willing to take the same time to contemplate with deeper understanding the true character of people you encounter daily.
Psalm 139:14 says, “I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well.” These are important words of encouragement, and my hope is that my artwork will reflect God’s love for every one of us.
To live fully we need real connection with other people. My portraits invite you to imagine the unseen souls of others like you and not like you. Dive into the abstracted areas of the painting, relax and swim around in the unexpected colors and textures and tread among the realistic details. Move from their eyes, over their skin tones, to their heart. Thought provoking and at times playful elements, such as sparrows and other birds, assist in your visual journey to the heart of the subject.
My hope is that you emerge from the faces I paint changed and willing to take the same time to contemplate with deeper understanding the true character of people you encounter daily.
Psalm 139:14 says, “I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well.” These are important words of encouragement, and my hope is that my artwork will reflect God’s love for every one of us.
Available Works:
SOLD Works:
Collage : Stories
Practicing Presence : Chairs
Why chairs? I was told a story from an 80 year old theologian who went to his study to spend time alone with God. In order to bring more reality to the experience, this gentleman gave God his chair and he went to his knees. I have painted empty chairs ever since. The rich colors and light source are essential to the vibrancy of the spiritual presence and a reminder to me to take time to be still.
