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Artist Statement
Whatever
media I use in my art, I strive for a feeling of balance, harmony and
spontaneity−the same
elements that guide my life. I have been
a photographer for over thirty years and a writer for the past ten, documenting
my travels throughout Mexico, the United States, South America, the Caribbean
and Europe, capturing images to accompany my writing.
A few
years ago, I started to paint. After a brief exposure to watercolor, I was
introduced to Experimental Watermedia by Karen Rosasco, a gifted teacher and
member of the Colonie Art League. I have found my passion with this technique of
painting, which is accomplished by building multiple layers of fluid acrylic or
watercolor paint and adding texture in between layers. I use whatever materials
are on hand to generate exciting texture such as pressing bubble wrap, spraying
alcohol or adding heavy gels. To
complete the painting, I like to collage with torn paper and/or found objects to
create dimension and focus. Since I am a writer and appreciate the power of the
word, I often incorporate script or text into my paintings.
What I
love about Experimental Watermedia is that it requires only that you approach it
with an open mind; the process is spontaneous and relies on letting go of
preconceived ideas, which unleashes the creative and intuitive spirit of the
artist. The final result is always a
surprise, and who doesn’t love a surprise?
I spend
winters in Zihuatanejo, Mexico and have joined a local group,
Arte Nativo, led by Alfredo Tapia in
their open studio while I am there from January through March. These talented
artists use acrylic/latex paint in a more representational style and have
inspired me to follow their lead in capturing the dramatic landscape and lush
foliage that surround us: the azure Pacific, the rugged Sierra Madre del Sur
Mountains, graceful coconut palms, purple bougainvillea, pink hibiscus and even
mythical mermaids that are part of this coastal culture. This type of painting
requires a different set of skills−specific planning, selecting a palette and
often sketching the design−which is necessary for a successful finished product.
Practicing this technique has improved my drawing and painting capability and
has broadened my artistic vision.
My old
love of making free-form sculpture has resurfaced and in the past year I have
taken workshops in Saratoga, New York using Paverpol, a textile/fabric hardener
invented in the Netherlands.
Art Gallery
Serenity
Wash Day
Shall We Dance?
Transformation
Three Muses
Totem
Canyon Walls
Knossos II
The Promise
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