Artist Statement:

I’m interested in expressing the feelings and emotions associated with change. I reference both personal experience, and the experiences of those with whom I am intimate. I define my intention through meditation, conversation, and journaling. Meditation has provided me with the ability to silence my internal dialogue and/or mindfully observe my thoughts. This skill allows me the clarity necessary to see the impact of my mark making. If something is in need of alteration, I feel it in varying shades of discontentment. I allow these feelings to guide my hand as I silence that which visually offends. When I have achieved a harmony in keeping with my intention, my mind is able to rest and reflect. It is now that I view my work as if for the first time with my analytical mind. The complexity and power of silent decision making never fails to amaze me.

To make my encaustic paintings, I apply molten beeswax based encaustic paint to 1 1/4” inch thick wooden panels. I allow the paint to drip off the edges which results in an organic undulating edge that reveals the evolution of each painting in layers of color. I work with 5 types of blow torches. Each torch is tipped with a unique quality of flame. I use my torches as an oil painter uses paintbrushes. My torches allow me to persuade the paint to move and take form, or blend together like cream swirling in black coffee until the wax cools and captures that moment in time. I use wood working, pottery, and engraving tools to sculpt and draw into my wax surfaces which are up to 1/4” thick. The aforementioned are the most basic and vital techniques I employ. The bulk of my techniques are of my own creation. I take great pleasure in their discovery and refinement.

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