ARTIST STATEMENT
Still life paintings have a magical quality in that they show us a new way of looking at ordinary objects. The objects are arranged into a specific composition meant to represent a narrative. Their existence becomes recorded in time and is imbued with life beyond the ordinary. They take on a whole new meaning for every viewer. In my body of work, I create still life oil paintings that are introspective and reflective. Using color, light, and shadow to amplify the subject matter, these paintings explore how mundane objects are connected to individual memories. I create these moments of stillness to evoke a newer and deeper connection to the subject.
My creative journey has led me through a variety of mediums and styles. When I first began to use oil paints, I realized the potential they had. Oil paints have a vibrancy that is hard to capture with other media. I began using it very much like the abstract expressionist artists had; using globs of paint to create thick impasto works that evoked an emotional experience. It was during this time that I discovered the works of Wayne Thiebaud, who’s still life paintings seem to capture the essence of 1950’s American diner culture. His bold use of color and stark contrasts of lights and darks made the foods and objects appear multi-dimensional. This inspired me to take a step back and master the use of oil paints. I started to create still life paintings by teaching myself a traditional approach to oil painting. Very much like Wayne Thiebaud’s work, my work is deeply inspired by observing things in my daily surroundings. The everyday objects I choose to paint can evoke a wide variety of emotions and will hold a different meaning for the viewer. Therefore, what I create will not always be interpreted by others in the same way. However, my intent when they look at the work is for them to draw upon their own memories. For me, a still life of oranges reminds me of eating them in between soccer games. For the viewer, it might remind them of breakfast time and the sweet, juicy taste of oranges with French toast. My art urges the viewer to reflect deeper into the subject matter. When they look at the subject everyone experiences the art in their own personal way. They bring with them all their life experiences, unique memories, and all their knowledge and beliefs to bear when they interpret my work of art. |