THE HEART BEHIND THE WORK
I think all people feel a connection to beauty in nature. It always draws a response from us; it may be a fleeting thought or a lingering desire, a glance or a long gaze. Whether we notice a bright yellow flower in the crack of a gray sidewalk, or a stunning sunset…we respond.
Sometimes our response varies from a strong desire to possess, to be overwhelmed, to yearn, to be grateful… we can’t help but respond to beauty in some innate way.
My response is most often to desire more, and so my paintings begin with a glimpse of something that stirs a desire—and that desire deepens into a need to understand why I find something beautiful. It isn’t enough for me to just look at something of beauty, but I want to KNOW it. I want to know more about the why. When I venture into making a painting, I take the time to move beyond a glimpse and really look. The longer look always fosters an inner dialogue as I paint.
“Artists have a talent for taking ordinary things and elevating or changing them
to reflect a different perspective
or a new interpretation of the ordinary”.
—Jennifer Hahn
Questions arise such as “why do I find this particular place or scene or sky beautiful? What is it that resonates within me? Why do I feel the need to make something in response to commemorate it?”
The questions give rise to an internal conversation then expressed outwardly as a painting or art piece. Through the process I discover, examine, or simply celebrate something.
I refer to my paintings as landscape-allusions because over the years my question about the purpose of beauty has led to a personal faith in the “who” behind the “what and the why”. My faith is in a Creator whose heart intends to be known, and engages with humanity.
My art alludes to this special joy.
TIES THAT BIND - OIL ON CANVAS - 36x36