Artist Statement
My first influence is the world as it is now--I record and document what I know about contemporary culture and my work has been influenced by many aspects of modern society including film, advertising, music, news and graphic design. At the same time I find that certain historical influences have stayed with me, especially those given over to the allegorical reading of culture and individual impulses: German medieval art, expressionism, artists who range from El Greco to Matisse. Over time, these influences, often at odds with one another, have resulted in a tense stalemate between the historical--classical ideas--and the modern reality. My references to classical mythology and literature enable me to link the old with the new.
I work on paintings in series in common with many contemporary artists--one body of work is the group of classical nudes, ranging from Botticelli’s Venus to Michelangelo’s David which spiral downwards toward the net of modern urban life. Other paintings retell classical stories such as the fall of Icarus, or biblical themes such as the tale of Susanna and the Elders. Another series is a homage to women, which I believe comes from being raised by a single parent, a hard working, strong and intelligent mother. New series in development concern a new look at landscape and a series of american sports.
My method, in which I combine the elements of classical and contemporary art to arrive at an expressionistic and painterly style is repeated in my choice of subject matter, which often recreates classical beings within a modernist setting. I intend always to be respectful of tradition without being bound by it, as I am fully aware of the impact of the new media that has done so much to alter the position of painting in our world now.
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