Artist Statement
The current series of paintings, Urban Portraits, was begun in the early 1990s. Depicting stores, restaurants, and bars, these are cityscapes that capture the vitality of urban life. At the same time, they are portraits that express the personality of the store owners, the neighborhood, and the city that they are in. Rather than representing our culture on grand scale by showing its architectural icons, these paintings are intimate views of everyday life at street level.
At their start, the paintings of the Urban Portraits series focused on purely architectural representation. But always present have been an optimism and passion for life and beauty, expressed by strong colors, used in a boldly intense manner. Over time, the human presence has emerged, represented not only by figures, but also embodied in the unique design, language, and signage of the storefronts. Humor has also evolved as a recurring theme in the work.
Creating a painting begins with visiting a place over a period of time, getting a feel for it, and taking hundreds of photographic sketches. Choosing a venue to paint is always driven subconsciously–it’s almost as if the subject has chosen the artist, rather than the reverse. Even while painting, color selection and technique, whether loose or tight, is arrived at directly. Instead of trying to try to analyze or control it, conscious thought is blocked out and the underlying intuitive process is allowed to proceed.
The work is an emotional diary, reflecting the events and feelings in the artist’s life at that particular moment. The work evolves over time and comes together as it is meant to, and not always as envisioned, with the subconscious impetus in control. While the paintings are very personal expressions, it is hoped that they touch a common experience in viewers, who will find their own unique enjoyment in the work. |
