Artist Statement
Paints, crayons, paper, play, glue, color, music movement were all introduced at a young age. No matter what was happening in my life, turning to the arts has always been a place of joy, comfort, and a place to safely express whatever emotions, thoughts, vision and experiences were begging to emerge.
After moving to New Hampshire, my earlier art work, about 2004-2018, seems to reflect more of how I viewed a scene or structure from the ‘outside-in’ with personal color choices and/or design adaptations.
Towards the end of this time frame, there were many losses, life changes and moves and slowly, my art making stopped. Thankfully, in 2020, after I resettled, my paintbrush, once again, called to me. This time, my work reflected more personal heartfelt expressions along with applying certain art principles that help to refine one’s work. New work started emerging from the ‘inside-out.’ I began my art by placing a few colors of acrylic paint on 12” x 12” wood panels with no ideas in mind of what to paint. At first pass, creating feels playful and freeing. The process, then, can become challenging. There is a mystery and excitement, too, while trying to find and bring forth what lies within and wanting to be expressed. Often, music is playing. The process takes time, patience and trust.
I can work on several boards at a time for about twenty to thirty minutes+ each. Working on one painting at a time for shorter intervals does help prevent me from becoming too fixated on one painting and helps with the creative flow. While creating, I, also, try to be mindful of the of the art principles of design, value and color.
I am very grateful to have a place to safely express, release and share my personal interpretations and feelings through the arts. It is with humility and gratitude that I share these reflections with you.