I studied Graphic Design/Visual Communications.  Something about creating a required piece within the strict confines of all the necessary specifications sparked a challenge in me.  To do so, and still produce a creative, bold and appealing design/illustration or ad campaign fired and fueled my imagination. This draftsmanship type of training is evident in my painting style.
      As human beings, we each own the real estate of our minds. I quite enjoy my ‘wonder-land real estate’ - the thoughts and visions in my head.   Because so much of my material comes from the subconscious, I refer to myself as an abstract/ surrealist with a geometric twist.  I challenge myself to reproduce these images from my mind onto a canvas.  

    I like it best when viewers use their own imagination to create the meaning of a painting.  Their interpretation is completely unique to them, and therefore, they own the story the painting tells.  I believe this is far more rewarding to the viewer than to be told what it is they should see.  My aim is to get people to think about what they see in the painting.  And then to talk about that with others as they view the work.   Sharing thoughts and ideas with another person -in person- over a non-controversial matter, such as the meaning of a painting, should help us build bridges of communication.  This fun experience helps us to see not only into the mind of the artist but also into the mind of each other, as we react to the work.
     I primarily work in alkyd, a fast drying oil paint. This paint gives me plenty of open time to blend areas and it dries quickly enough that I can work on an adjacent area the next day. It dries to an even finish and I love the luminous colors. My paintings are bright, but I keep a fairly strict color palette – must be that technical training!