PAINTING & DRAWING
I began painting as a Resident Artist at Penland in 1996. My paintings are as eclectic as my pots. I have been through many “phases” but seem to return to landscape and still life, particularly after travels to new places. I drew and painted incessantly during my years working in Italy and while on longer stays in South Africa, Mexico and Saba.
I’m a student of the History of Art, drawing inspiration from antiquity to rustic folk craft to 60’s modern design. I am fueled by nature and the energies inherent in the work of my heroes: Guston, Beckmann, Hartley and Matisse. These artists made form out of paint. This sculptural aspect seems clay-like and rings true to me.
“Middle School” Paintings 2016
In 2015 my aunt gave me a drawing I had made for her when I was around twelve years old. As soon as I saw it I remembered the Thanksgiving Day I sat at the dining room table “sketching” the center piece. Discovering that taped together, felt tip, 7th grade drawing inspired a new/old direction in my painting. I'm excited about continuing this colorful, playful and hopefully awkward state of painting I call "Middle School".
