Fine Art Painting, Gourd Art and Photography
…while nature inspires my photography and photography inspires my painting, painting inspires my digital art…and the gourds give me a way of applying the same sources of inspiration to a three dimensional format…
I think painting in oil and cold wax is a very zen-like practice. The technique can be different from traditional oil painting in that it involves relinquishing a good deal of control in order to fully benefit from its unique characteristics — a pretty accurate metaphor for navigating my life! Letting go of attachment is hard, so when I stand at the easel, there is often a feeling of considerable risk in opting to go for the unexpected instead of staying with what I have already created. Yet I know that if I do take that risk, the rewards can be great and the element of surprise — when it works out — makes it well worth the effort. Ultimately, painted layers leave traces of underlying work to reveal what is commonly referred to as the painting's "history." Synchronistically, my own multi-layered history in the arts (surface design, web design, fabric arts, digital art, graphic design, illustration, photography…) is also revealed.
My painting is frequently inspired by my photography. The breathtaking wildlife and landscapes I have captured have shaped me as I explored mangroves and mountains through the years. What better way to honor that experience than to preserve and share it through photography and art? And while nature inspires my photography, and photography inspires my painting, painting likewise inspires the digital art I create from my photographs.
My gourd art give me a way of applying the same sources of inspiration to a three dimensional format. I begin with an organic element of nature (a fruit dried to a wood-like character, the look and size of squash) and transform it into a work of art through carving and decoration. The gourds must be washed, cut, and cleaned inside and out, and alternately sanded, drilled, carved, burned, dyed, and embellished. Some processes are characteristic of woodworking and basketry which feed the sculpting part of my soul. In others I use fabric, yarn, ribbon, and other novelties which allow me keep my hand in the fabric arts. Lastly, I enjoy adding my personal twist to an ancient tradition that aligns my art with some very respectable company.
Speaking of roots, mine hail back to a double major in painting and sculpture and I'm grateful to have found multiple directions for my work that satisfy both longtime passions and provide welcome variety in skill and execution.
My painting is frequently inspired by my photography. The breathtaking wildlife and landscapes I have captured have shaped me as I explored mangroves and mountains through the years. What better way to honor that experience than to preserve and share it through photography and art? And while nature inspires my photography, and photography inspires my painting, painting likewise inspires the digital art I create from my photographs.
My gourd art give me a way of applying the same sources of inspiration to a three dimensional format. I begin with an organic element of nature (a fruit dried to a wood-like character, the look and size of squash) and transform it into a work of art through carving and decoration. The gourds must be washed, cut, and cleaned inside and out, and alternately sanded, drilled, carved, burned, dyed, and embellished. Some processes are characteristic of woodworking and basketry which feed the sculpting part of my soul. In others I use fabric, yarn, ribbon, and other novelties which allow me keep my hand in the fabric arts. Lastly, I enjoy adding my personal twist to an ancient tradition that aligns my art with some very respectable company.
Speaking of roots, mine hail back to a double major in painting and sculpture and I'm grateful to have found multiple directions for my work that satisfy both longtime passions and provide welcome variety in skill and execution.