Artist Statement:
I'm interested in the unseen aspects of any given subject. Astute observations reveals what's missed at first glance.
My work begins with sketches, sometimes directly on the surface it will live on. I work back and forth drawing, applying paint, inks or pastel until I arrive at the point where it breaths. These 'portraits' paint themselves. The process engages all the senses.
The works are personal, connected to history, and yet current in time and place. They can have a liminal time quality that isn't necessarily in the present or past but in an ambiguous space where emotion is felt. This can be uncomfortable for some and a delight for others.
The Nursing Series pays homage to the unmistakable identity of a past era uniform. Underlying themes include the profound deeply moving aspect of the profession, attraction to the unique qualities of the uniform, as well as the current disturbing growing critical nursing shortage. I constantly search for the voice of the uniform to reveal perhaps a new universal image.
The School Daze Series implies the presumption that the uniform conforms to a certain set of rules. Most of us know it does not. The work is concerned with identity thus very 'open' showing the obvious character possibilities.