My Process and What Inspires Me

Think.Joy.

I am an abstract artist. When I create, I’m not thinking about how to represent recognizable, familiar things. Instead, I think of my work as a process of synthesizing and expanding what I see, think, hear and feel -- pulling inspiration from memories, poetry, music, my surroundings, ideas, and the pure elements of color, line and shape.  

THINK.  Each painting begins with a mindset of play and without a plan. As each piece evolves, deliberate decisions about composition are influenced by the universal visual language used by abstract and representational fine artists: color, value, line, shape, form, texture, and the principles of design.  

I paint on high quality wood panels custom made for me in Oregon. The tough wood substrate allows me to aggressively sand and scratch back into the many changing layers of paint to reveal what I call ‘the history’ of the work. This process gives me infinite possibilities to consider. The constantly repeated work of layering and sanding provides a unique richness and depth to the color and design.    

JOY.  At the core of each work is the absolute joy I feel when painting. I hope that same feeling is what you sense when you look at my work. 

The Influence of Music, Surroundings, and Joy in My Art

Appreciating abstraction requires us to let go of our natural impulse to label and identify subject matter. Instead, I think a wonderful way to consider abstract work is to think of it as an immersion into a different visual world, one that draws on feelings, impressions, ideas, and associations. I don’t think we need to be able to explain why we like a piece of art. If it speaks to us, if we somehow connect to it, I think that’s enough. 

Because the idea of “feeling” my work is important to me, my palette is often inspired by the music I’m playing, and although it isn’t necessarily intentional, my surroundings also influence what happens on my boards.

I grew up playing in the foothills of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, and my childhood taught me to look, to pay attention, and to be present. Now I live in Newport Beach, California. My inspiration might come from the way the light hits the sand during sunrise to the ways the leaves cling to the trees just before they sleep for the season.

Can You Find the Crown?

Hidden in my paintings is a small, four-pronged crown, a final addition in each piece that holds personal, deep meaning. If you search, you can find it. Some are really small, so you have to look carefully!

Back Story: Art historians tell us that the artist Basquiat first started adding his highly recognizable 3-pronged crown in honor of those who most inspired him. Basquiat’s use of the crown evolved with his art. Toward the end of his short life it symbolized royalty, talent, and his fight against oppression.  

I've adapted Basquiat's use of the 3-pronged crown to my own 4-pronged crown. Each prong in my crowns honors a significant person that shaped what I’m doing today.