Artist Statement
THE ORDINARY things that surround us, that fill our lives, these are beautiful to
me. Every object reflects light. Even dull objects are reflected in shinier
things, and they also cast shadows of their own colors onto the surfaces
where they sit.
The way light transforms objects, how it seems to distort them, how it
reflects from one surface to another, fascinates me. So, I focus this
fascination using still life compositions of ordinary things, in oil paints,
usually on oil-primed linen.
I first develop the composition in detailed drawings, then a value study. I
create the underpainting in oil, over which I put down thin layers of color.
The glazes accumulate to build depth in the objects and complexity of light
and dark.
My desire is to elevate the beauty of ‘ordinary,’ to evoke wonder in us. I if
my still life paintings help people see the wonder beauty of everyday life,
then with each painting you enjoy, I achieve my goal.