Artist Statement 2017
Artist Statement 2017
I am a narrative artist who creates psychological landscapes populated by neo-archaic figures and shapes. I like to renew the power of primitive imagesby triggering shared memories. If they resonate they give us hope for the future. Many of these images migrate from my paintings into 3D installations, personalized settings and puppet-like shapes on canvas, wood, aluminum and found objects. My palette is usually vibrant and lyrical using oil, ink, pastels, and unusual media like carved stamps. The tales I tell spring from our metaphysical past, eternal conflicts and primeval mythology. Creation stories, dance and charmed rituals get explored. Repetition and rearrangement of these images introduce them into our reality. This process is similar to play where mimesis becomes the practical vehicle to explore our relationships. My long history directing theatre drives my desire to create gestural entertainment using the frame as a stage. I draw inspirations from many sources: the scenic metaphors of Robert Wilson, Svoboda, and Appia inspire my use of light and movement. The charming mysticism of Klee, Giotto and Dubuffet feed my imagination. I dedicate my worktocreating a space where dynamic figures get a chance to play in color and action.