Born in Columbus Ohio in 1961, I earned a B.F.A.
from The Ohio State University in 1991. In the
past, most of my work's subject matter was derived
from my interest in ancient history as it relates to
current events. Other pieces focused on my
perspective of life's adversities. I looked at my
work as a "surreal snapshot" of the events and
attitudes one encounters in day to day life and the
impact they can have on a person's demeanor. One
blink, one turn in a different
direction, or one moment of hesitation
can change a life. On 9/11/01, our
nation blinked and we all watched as the
demeanor of a great nation was changed
forever.
Today I consider myself a post 9/11 artist. What does this mean?
I'm still learning that myself. I saved the newspaper from that
tragic Tuesday morning so I can reflect back on how naive we were
before the buildings fell. I do not believe I will see another day
on this Earth when we are not involved in major conflict of some
kind, fighting for our own existence. When children are taught
hatred and killing is justified through religious teachings, it
becomes evident that conflict has become a way of life. I am trying
to capture the change in attitudes since the terrorist attack.
I paint only through memory and imagination, there are no
preliminary sketches or rough drafts. I paint on paper, masking the
borders with wallpaper tape and then create shapes and movements
with a black marker. Since 9/11, some of these shapes resemble
destroyed buildings, falling images, and ash covered debris. I use
color and shapes as a transition device to move the eye throughout
the composition and create stability in an otherwise chaotic piece. |