I have always felt a strong connection to the natural world. As a child, I loved walking along the creeks and deer paths, finding beautiful fossil rocks, wildflowers, and berries. I felt at peace in nature. My work reflects the peace found in nature, as expressed through an abstract style. I studied drawing and painting in school and I have always been attracted to modern abstract art, as well as art of Oceania and Africa, children’s art, and other art sometimes considered “primitive”. After spending many years in school and working, I finally feel free to build upon my knowledge base and paint what I need to express.
“What is the role of art?” For me, paintings are good decoration; paintings tell a story; and paintings connect people to each other. I think paintings should be at least somewhat cheerful and fun. Having fun paintings around you makes you feel better. They add to the feeling of the room. My paintings tell stories of nature. We are connected to our environment, and my work is about that connection. I use symbols of flowers, trees, circles and spirals to represent different aspects of nature. Paintings, as well as other goods made by hand, connect us to each other. I like paintings that show some brush strokes, some evidence of the work of the hand. Viewers then become part of the story when they look at the painting. All we need to do is stop and take the time to look at art.
