Artist Statement
Structure vs. Spontaneity
The interplay of structure and spontaneity and the delightful contrast they produce informs my current
body of work. As an architect I understand that structure forms the framework that supports a building. As
an artist I understand that a painting too needs structure created by utilizing the design elements of line,
shape, color, value and texture to form the framework that supports the painting. Structure alone
however, does not create the delight in the work and for that I look to spontaneity. While structure is
constrained and premeditated, spontaneity is unconstrained and unpremeditated, providing the perfect
contrast.
To create these lively abstract compositions I approach the canvas with an open mind and no preconceived
ideas of what will develop. Armed only with the design elements of line, shape, color, value,
and texture to create the underlying structure of the work, I apply paint quickly with intuition and
spontaneity. Splashes of color and expressively charged brushstrokes are the result of responding to the
energy of the moment. The thrill of exploration and risk taking awakens all the senses so that as the work
speaks I can respond with all of my focus following the painting where it leads.
I paint abstracts because they allow the viewer to be the interpreter of the work. Each person brings his or
her own experiences, vision and meaning to each piece to make it uniquely their own.