Artist Statement

What is art?  To me, art is the product of the manipulation of materials by an artist.  The goal of the manipulation may be aesthetic or to send a message, or both.  The important thing is that the art makes people react, whether in awe, disgust, confusion, or curiosity.  Art must embody what the artist sees as beautiful or important or deserves attention.

I love art because it makes think.  It makes me imagine.  When I paint, I consider the composition and shading, but more importantly, I look for the story behind the picture.  It is this story that makes the pictures interesting.  

Another reason I love art is because I have an obsession with colors.  The way colors change and combine and make shapes.  

The way colors can be feelings or unformed thoughts.  Colors can mean so many different things, depending on where and how they are used.  For example, a red bow can be  fun and bold, while the red of blood can inspire fear, anger, or sadness.  

My favorite medium to use is pastel.  Pastels can be spontaneous, but they can also be meticulous and careful.  I think the best pictures are a combination of both.  Just like a person, a picture must be a balance of imagination and reality, although this balance may be different for each person or painting.  Pastels allow me to create that balance.    

My art is about colors, balance, and imagination, but most importantly, it is about what you see in it.