Turquoise I

Concept

I paint primarily representational works with oil on canvas and board. I love oil paint because of its versatility and large window of drying time, which allows me to scrape and rework areas as well as blend colors to attain a desired effect. My more spontaneous works involve rapid yet smooth brush strokes and blending techniques, which create a soft and soothing effect. To create the illusion of space, minimal structural lines are used with contrasting tones against the subtle and soft background. I work with natural color harmonies and their discords to create atmospheric and dreamy effects.
Articulating boats and water have become a common vehicle of expression in my work, which has led to a journey of self-searching and self-discovery. Coincidentally, except for my African ancestors, everyone in my family arrived by ship across the seas so my very existence depended on vessels for travel across bodies of water. These paintings are serene and modern with simple lines and have an insightful play on color and space. The images are about our emotional and psychic need for space and time to become aware of our reality in a busy and demanding world. With no horizon, the viewer may feel like they are floating in a space of color, and the only solid object to view is a still boat. In turn, one is faced with the need to create a new paradigm of reality and to let go of what once was so tangible in order to accept the new uncertainty and focus on the boat – one’s hopes and dreams.
I believe that art is a recording of our experiences - both individual and societal. Mindfulness and self-awareness have grown as movements in our society which speak to me and my process while creating artwork. Ultimately, my work is about my inner space, the quiet behind all my thoughts, and the solid belief that everything will work out.