Art is my parallel existence. A place where I can create my own environment, inhabited by imaginary beings. It’s a world ranging from technicolor and neon to greys and blacks. A world that might feel dark but what shines shines more brightly. Hidden amongst the chaos and abstractions is a sense of hope, a cup that isn’t brimming but surely getting fuller. To create this place, I like to have a barrage of mediums at my fingertips.

I love things that last…that can stand the test of time. A good tool that can handle many tasks, do more than what it’s asked for, and ultimately, last longer than I will, is very valuable to me. The mediums I am most drawn to share this same quality, the same ability to last long after they are created. Oil paintings will last hundreds of years. Bronze is beautiful and will last longer than any other metal used for sculpting. Glass is harder than steel, and yet, can contain such bright, vivid colors created from natural compounds. The ability of something to look so beautiful and be so resilient is really attractive to me.

I like to be crude and refined when working on a piece. Crude strokes can’t be replicated any other way and give a lot of life to a piece. Refining details gives a sense of depth and completion. It gives pieces a dynamic look. In selecting materials, I like to only work with one or two at a time. Too many materials in one piece doesn’t let each medium have a voice…too much color or texture can overload. Balance always wins.

This all reflects me. Art presents me with many challenges, periods of struggle, and periods of driving inspiration and excitement. And of all things, it brings beauty to my environment. I seek beauty, to create it, experience it, and whenever I can, share it with others.

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