Artist Statement

The familiar can be something nonobjective extracted from the very objective and real. Our learning process begins in infancy through recognition of color, then shapes, which progresses to three-dimensional form and then we begin to compare what we have learned to what is new. This comparative process becomes innate, automatic and unconscious. The nonobjective nature of my work seeks to tap into this innocent learning process. The brain, a powerhouse of storage, transforms all life’s experiences into cellular memories of color, form, line and texture. These are the basic elements of artwork. I deconstruct experiences and reconfigure a memory using these pure elements to create work that speaks to the brain in abstract form.

My chosen materials vary. The materials have a language of themselves, each dictating the progression of my creativity. I combine them to create a comparison of abstract geometric forms and materials that are a juxtaposition of a personal language of color, form, line, and texture. Porcelain, wood, metal, found objects, and painted canvases all link in my language of common form to create a formal challenge to engage the mind, pose possibilities, seek conclusions and lead the viewer to return again to explore, rethink, speculate and create new meaning.

My work seeks to create a dialogue of personal histories through compositions that seem like perception tests compelling the viewer to give the work a second study which, in turn yields more discovery and richness. The meaning I intend may be in contrast to the viewer’s response also tempered by their memories and subconscious.

Igor Stravinsky, a 20th century Russian composer, wrote in 1940 about his creative process. His writings speak of the search for personal truth and inspiration through a manifesto of editing: “ My Freedom consists in my moving about within the narrow frame that I have assigned myself for each one of my undertakings. I shall go even further: my freedom will be much greater and more meaningful, the more narrowly I limit my field of action and the more I surround myself with obstacles. Whatever diminishes constraint diminishes strength. The more constraints one imposes, the more one frees oneself from the chains that shackle the spirit.”