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The interaction
of light, layers, the geometry of shape, texture, transparency,
and what lies beneath the surface of my subject matter form
the nexus of my work. An exaggerated color palette and dramatic
contrasts provide a heightened sense of reality. I am primarily
a pastel painter, with an occasional foray into working with
the brush and oil paints. Each medium enhances the other,
and the work and the process are ever evolving. Curiosity
and an intuitive response to mood and emotion in the subject
matter push me towards my own interpretation in each piece.
The Figurative Dress Series explores multiple
social, gender, psychological and spiritual connotations while
embodying the presence of the female form. While the dress
is an iconic symbol of femininity, these figures transcend
the obvious. The figurative dresses exist in a meditative
space, taking center stage, demanding inspection. They stir
musings of spiritual beings, exhibiting a life force without
the need for a human body. Or, they question what may have
happened to the woman who wore the dress. The figures exist
in a minimalist environment, allowing them to move within
boundless space that has been stripped of unnecessary distraction.
Viewers are invited to question what is set before them, and
complete the remainder of the narration based upon their own
connection with the feminine and their own histories. The
series questions the feminine form, societal expectations,
and our preconceived ideas of what lies beneath the surface
of imagery and existence.
Landscapes, evoking memories of the Outer
Banks of North Carolina, focus on the poetics of space and
time lived on these barrier islands. The majority of these
pieces portray dramatic, and sometimes dream like moments
of warm, rich coastal days over the Currituck Sound. Recalling
a heightened sense of sight, sound and fragrance unique to
the area, this series invites the viewer to experience the
islands in an expanded way.
My work has been featured in solo exhibitions,
group shows and has been collected both nationally and internationally.
Juried awards and critically acclaimed reviews of my work,
most notably, the Figurative Dress Series, may be reviewed
on my website.
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