Blue Forest

30” x 40”

Paper, oil on canvas

2007

Artist Statement

    Trees themselves are symbols for life.  They are models for how we as humans should live.  They take only what they need and then pass the rest into the atmosphere.  To me trees     represent strength, renewal and also encompass a spiritual energy. I recreate this spiritual energy through textured surfaces, color, light and pattern.  
     Unlike humans who move from one place to another, trees stay in the same location for hundreds of years.  They locate us in place and time and stand for both our past and future.     The imagery in my paintings are created from photographic references, life and imagination.     I use old photographs that belonged to my relatives as well as new photographs or drawings, that I have taken from my experiences.                                           In my paintings, the subjects are intended as a mysterious presence or fleeting impression.  We humans are intrigued by the shadows, by what we do not know, as opposed to what is       apparent or obvious. My paintings suggest traces of a specific place and at the same time have a surreal, fantastical quality.