Artist Statement
In 2020 we were told to stay and nothing had ever felt so right. My work became a real time diary of isolation, routine and my deep love of home. I celebrated the rut of 30 years of marriage, dogs in my personal space, and staring at screens in narrative paintings and sculptures. More recently, I have allowed the outside to infiltrate my small purview, creating an internal battle between anxiety and comfort.
My oil paintings express my emotions through wry observations and surreal elements. Imperfect lines and unexpected perspectives create tension. In my smaller mixed media paintings, I playfully sculpt layers onto panel using modest materials, such as cardboard from Amazon boxes and craft materials, to reflect the scale of the stories. I build up the surface, making objects pop out or extend beyond the panel’s border. An enlarged foot or a giant remote control draws the viewer’s eye. My embellished vases serve as companion pieces to select paintings, further developing emotional content.
I find inspiration in Faith Ringgold, who used humble tools to make bold statements, and Grayson Perry, for his subversive humor. I also love the painterly interiors of Pierre Bonnard and Edvard Munch.