Artist's Statement
I have been investigating geologic and biologic forms for a long time. The art resulting from these influences relates to the physical world around us, as well as, interior functions and morphology within. Subject matter can be cosmic as in “Dark Field,” microscopic, even biologic as in “Golgi.” This personal vision is created through the medium of paint, wax, and sometimes both together.
My mentor has been and still is Joseph Campbell, the noted teacher of mythology, who Bill Moyers famously interviewed for PBS in 1989. Studying Campbell’s philosophy has allowed me to access various cultures and their mysterious rituals. The approach to this body of work adopts a quasi scientific method with a great deal of latitude for interpretation. Thus the paintings remain personal and authentic at their core by intentionally distorting science in this loose manner. Each painting is unique and not just an offspring of the last. More importantly the body of work is tightly connected in my unconscious.
This journey with acrylic, oil, and wax (encaustic) has become my signature. It was further emphasized when I organized and curated the national exhibition, OIL + WAX , which traveled the US for a two year period. Concurrently, with the exhibition in the Philadelphia area I lead the first national conference on this art form, which contributed to the revival of the encaustic technique.
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