My Artistic Journey
When searching for inspiration for a new still life painting, I rummage through bins of accumulated small treasures. I am, admittedly, a bit of a packrat, inclined to hold onto scavenged objects gathered from flea markets, beaches, woodlands, and even my own backyard. It can take days to collect just the right pieces and arrange them in a way that, with the proper lighting, suggests a whimsical narrative.
I begin with a series of charcoal sketches, gradually developing a detailed drawing in which the composition, storyline, and tonal values are resolved. Once the image is transferred to a gessoed board, I introduce color, continuing to revise and respond to the painting as it evolves.
Through my representational style, I aim to draw viewers in—to encourage them to truly see the objects I depict, often placed in unexpected contexts. I want people to linger in front of my paintings, discovering the unfolding narrative over time, and ultimately making them smile.
