Artist's
Statement
 It
has been said of my work that it has a surreal quality.
To me that means opening up new dimensions. I'm portraying
natural history in a representational style, but looking
to offer new perspectives.
Work doesn't begin on a piece
until all the elements for fine
art have been addressed. The
actual process takes often seasons
and years before the research
has matured, and the photographing
and study of a particular subject
are complete. Then I begin to
imagine the concept and layout – always
begun in the abstract.
I often create an ambiguous
background suggestive of the
outdoors and
the environment, keeping in mind
the objects to be placed within
it. A juggling act follows in
which the two objectives of "fine
art" and "natural
history" come together.
This is the stage at which some
aspects of the images become
representational. In each work,
I try to create situations that
leave you to your own interpretation
and discoveries. I hope my paintings
fill each viewer with a sense
of the Earth, its diversity and
need for protection.
I appreciate
the insightful things people have said about my work.
A retired professor of philosophy in art and nature
asked whether, when I paint, I feel I am in touch with
the spirits. Well, not exactly. But I do hope that in
my paintings I pass along the awe I feel when standing
in the presence of such extraordinary plants, creatures
and scenes.
A nature
writer said "It's not just nature art…it's
art!" I like that.
back
to: the
artist |
