Artists Statement
My oil paintings reflect my passion for color and light. Through a gradual process, my work has transitioned away from representing surface appearances and towards the creation of luminous abstractions that silently resonate. These contemplative paintings attempt to articulate my experience and understanding of natural forces that operate within and around the world of form. Content is informed and inspired by my life long interest in Yogic philosophy.
Photography offers me the opportunity to explore and frame my response to the world as I travel through life. The instantaneous action of releasing the shutter enables me to continue the creative process when there is little time or space for sketching and painting. The contemplative aspect occurs during the selection, editing, proofing and printing of images. The most recent photographs were taken during a tour of Northern India that I co-directed during Winter 2007 and a personal trip in May/June to Southern India.
During the summer of 2005, I designed, facilitated and painted a large-scale outdoor mural project with the “Village of Hope” community at the Poverello House in Fresno. It was a multi-faceted experience that enhanced my understanding of people, community and the creative process. I am grateful for the challenges and experience it offered me. I also created a mural for the Fresno County Children’s Mental Health Outpatient Clinic for their reception and waiting room area that offers children a more welcoming environment.
I received a Master's degree in Painting from Indiana University, Bloomington and a BFA degree in Painting from Temple University's, Tyler School of Art. I have enjoyed the opportunity to live and travel in Europe and India. These experiences have expanded and enriched my understanding of the interconnectedness of our global community. I am an associate professor in the Department of Art and Design at California State University, Fresno, where I teach a variety of courses including 2D and 3D design, interaction of color and photography.
My work has appeared throughout the United States and internationally in numerous individual, juried and group exhibitions and is in private and public collections.