Structured Light Series
For as long as I can remember, two sides of my personality have competed for expression — one precise and structural, drawn to line and form, and the other open, organic, and wild. In the past, these two lived separately, pulling in opposite directions with no middle ground between. This body of work is where these two sides merged — and where, slowly, the integration of my self began. Each piece in this series reveals a bit of that journey.
When I began this series, I started here. Beginning with an emotive underpainting resembling an encaustic landscape, I etched into it a series of horizontal and vertical lines. Not equidistant, not measured; just freehand expressions. And then I began painting in some of the shapes; pulling some of the colors up from the bottom and some hues down from the top. I used black and white to delineate shadow shapes that speak through the piece and create a soft movement within. The finished work whispers of peace and tranquility.
Birds On A Wire
Encaustic and oil pigments. | 48 × 48 inches. SOLD
Nature’s deep texture and rich color ignites my senses. I painted this piece on my friend Maggie’s deck in Santa Cruz. The sun was shining down and the ducks were splashing about in the pond a few feet away. The moment felt rich and earthy as I let my hands do their mark-making without conscious thought. In the end the piece reminded me of a map which aligned perfectly with my sense of being present outdoors with nature.
My Hands Were On The Earth
Encaustic and oil pigments. | 18 × 24 inches. $1600
I am a sensual being, and every so often I am called to paint a sinewy form inside a work. Here, bodies of water or topographic landmasses take their form as they press against the curvature of a sensual form. My painting asks: Is this scene a natural one or sensual one? And only it can answer.
Moving Through The Mountain Like A Breeze
Encaustic on panel. | 30 x 40 inches. $4500
Living near the ocean, it is impossible not to think of her often: the magnificent range of blues that reflect off the water, the warm hues of the kelp stranded on the beach, and the way the water washes up on the shore and leaves its ever changing imprint on the sand. It also leaves an imprint in me. Of time at the water’s edge.
Sand Meets Sea
Encaustic and oil pigments. | 24 x 30 inches. $2900
Texture is my best friend. We hold hands every day, all day long. She cannot hide from me. I will find her. In every place and every thing. The natural texture of the accumulated wax in this piece beckons my hands and I enjoy running my fingers over it’s varied surface like the bark of an old tree.
Cypress I
Encaustic and oil pigments. | 36 × 24 inches. $2600
I find complexity so appealing. A curious sort, complex things set my mind in motion and I enjoy “figuring” things out. This piece challenged me with its large scale and evolving scope. There is much intention in this piece but its subtle. I like leaving traces of my thoughts for others to ponder.
So Much To See
Encaustic and oil pigments. | 48 x 48 inches. $9500
While creating, I am not always certain of the destination. This work was particularly puzzling and the path did not reveal itself until I introduced three bands of gold at the top of the piece, separating the rich, undulating base from the starker peak.
The Shortest Distance
Encaustic and oil pigments. | 36 × 36 inches. SOLD
Like many artists do, I often pant over older works. This is particularly advantageous in this series as texture plays such a big role in these works. I am often surprised and delighted by the depth that develops as I create.
In The Interest Of Time
Encaustic and oil pigments. | 48 x 30 inches. SOLD
I get a mysterious feeling looking across a body of water at an island. I can only see the rocky shoreline and a plethora of trees but I know the island has a life of its own. Animals, people, and a rugged lifestyle I am drawn to.
Destined Place
Encaustic and oil pigments. | 24 x 60 inches. SOLD
I open the door in the middle of the night to look up at the night sky and wonder at how it is that we are all here, standing on this earth, surrounded by all these magnificent stars. I am delighted and inspired by their number and how they are always there whether or not the clouds obscure them.
Falling Lightly
Encaustic and oil pigments. | 30 × 30 inches.SOLD
My grandmother was a modiste. And so when I was born, my mother instinctively took to making all of my clothes. Tiny onesies and cute little dresses with bloomers to hide my underwear. I remember the intricate patterns woven into the material and the distinct color palette of that time. The fabric had noticeable texture back then. Soft silks, stiff cottons, and puckery searsucker adorned my closet. I loved them all and couldn’t wait to try on the latest garment she made.
The Golden Rule
Encaustic and oil pigments. | 36 x 24 inches. SOLD