My paintings have largely been influenced by places I've traveled to, including Iceland, Norway, and Ireland. When visiting an unfamiliar place, I try to collect a visual vocabulary that will be referenced later. Symbols are abstracted from surrounding nature and include anything from volcanic craters and waterfalls, to rocks or seeds from a milkweed pod.
I rely on memory and the way a place makes me feel when I paint. I use icons and patterns that are carried over from previous work while occasionally adding fresh imagery. I try not to have a specific idea in mind when beginning a painting, instead, using intuition to guide me. The process involves adding/layering/subtracting colors and constantly fighting the urge to do what's familiar. It can be a challenge to know when a painting is finished, but over time, I've learned to trust the process. I also have to be willing to let go and start over. Having this freedom allows me to take risks which lead to more unpredictable and interesting results. When I'm feeling more introspective, I switch from landscapes to portraits. Overall, my subject matter is intentionally ambiguous, leaving the viewer to create their own narrative.
Mixed Media on wood Panel
6 x 6 inch
2023