Artist's Statement

I have always been drawn to the narrative. We know we all share similar experiences and even though they are not identical, we usually find something in common and make a connection. I want to make a connection with the viewer through the narratives I paint and start a discussion about related stories.

I gather information by listening to friends, family, and acquaintances. I examine personal experiences and social situations and add these to my list of scenarios. Collecting objects from flea markets, antique shops, and nature, gives me a variety of objects to use in my work. I never use human models; I use substitutes and personify them, loading them with metaphors and symbolism to carry the meaning found in the title.

After deciding on the title of the work, I arrange the players for my still life composition. Next, I set up the lighting and analyze how it affects the color of the objects and the space they occupy. This adds a look of realism to the painting. In all, I start with a logical title, arrange incongruous objects in a composition, use the color of the light to create reality and space, to produce an absurd painting that makes sense.