About Me > Artist Statement
The creative process for any artist is unique and as such, the end result represents one’s creative signature. My work, with it’s abstract shapes, colors, and movement represent the end result of my creativity. You will see three types of art that I create, each expressing different ways I use to communicate.
Painting and drawing were early creative expressions for me as my formal art training was quite different. Having earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication arts and Design from Virginia Commonwealth University, my focus gradually shifted to a creative process that was based on my interpretation of the client’s expectations and requirements.
As my own personal work evolved, I wanted to abandon the limitations, which are often placed on the graphic designer, abandon the use of computers, and return to a “pure state.” In each of the medium I work with; I use my abstracts to represent different ideas, emotions, thoughts, and feelings. While each style may have a common theme, it is the implementation and process inherent in the various mediums that is ultimately the final gratification and expression of my creativity.
In my pastel work I use soft pastels, ink and paper as my medium. I use multiple layers of pastels to achieve the color, depth and hue. Once I start a piece, I cannot stop until the creative journey is complete. I approach my work gesturally, letting each mark lead me in. Each mark is an extension of a feeling or an emotion and consequently, my work has an inner honesty devoid of any preconceived notions. I use color to create depth or movement within the piece. I challenge each color by contrasting it with another color or colors to achieve a certain balance and harmony with the marks and images I create. Finally, since my approach is emotionally based, I have created imagery that would easily allow the viewer to associate with his or her own meaning and inner world, thereby facilitating self-awareness.
My paintings consist of acrylic paint, ink, and also pastels and board or canvas. Painting to me, is a very spiritual. The piece usually leads me where it wants to go. The drawing is done with a brush rather than a pencil. There is a freedom in it that is unlike anything else in my creative toolbox. The paintings are initially planned and thought out but often change with each brush stoke. Again, these pieces express thoughts and ideas and emotions that pull the viewer in. My images are nature based and consist of symbolism that relate to the subconscious mind. Each piece is different and unique and represents that many parts of whom I am and what I want to express and communicate.
My “Cut-Outs” is a unique process that I have named “Terra Cuts.” The process involves two layers of paper with acrylic paint. The top piece of paper is hand cut; therefore some works, which have multiple intrinsic cuts, consume incredible amounts of time. The bottom piece of paper is the one on which I paint various colors. I then lay the top or cut piece of paper over the bottom piece of paper, which creates the final image. It is through the cutting process that I am able to manipulate positive and negative space. In doing this work, I have only one chance to make the piece “work”. One mistake and the piece must totally be re-done. Thus, the juxtaposition of the various shapes and colors help define and create the final image. The majority of the works relate to motherhood, although there are other works, which deal with the whimsical dreams state of mind and one’s childhood.
In all my works there are shapes and symbols that often reoccur through each piece. These represent my subconscious mind and are used to communicate various thoughts, ideas and feelings that are truly unique to me. All my work is lightfast, acid free and museum quality to ensure longevity for many years.