Twenty- some years ago, when I decided to cease being a graphic designer and focus only on ceramic art, I was astounded by what that commitment brought me. I’ve enjoyed a sustaining career as a sculptor, but about 6 years ago I detoured into painting enough to realize I needed to choose and commit once again. I chose to paint, and again I am surprised at what a single focus can yield.
I have always been most satisfied with making art that carries a meaning beneath its aesthetic appeal, and I found I was no longer able to find in clay the freedom of expression painting gives me. Clay offered a sensuality that is important to my work and I brought an interest in painting and printmaking to its surfaces, but clay does not allow for shadowy figures, dizzying heights, atmospheric vistas or ephemeral blooms – unless they are painted on the surface, which I have found limiting.
Whatever the medium my aim is to draw the interest of the viewer with imagery which then invites, through metaphor, considerations of the individual, the family, society and the natural world. My art reflects my life. It is an opportunity to explore issues as elusive as personal challenges, death, or politics, or to simply try to capture a piece of beauty that touches me. I do not re-work images from outside sources, though I do make use of my digital camera (“Dennis, could you take a picture of my hand holding this?”) and the internet (what does a swan in flight look like?). | |
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