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Art as a process is very personal and in
the private domain of the artist. Viewing art and experiencing it
from “outside” is defined by each individual’s opinion, reference
points and taste. One of my goals as an artist is to bridge that gap
by posing questions rather than offering answers. The result is that
the viewer becomes a part of my artistic process. If the
questions are focused merely on technique or academic rules, I have
failed.
I seek to create art that evokes real emotion and/or curiosity. To
present an image, idea or concept is nothing if it does not require
those that are looking at it to respond. The work does not need to
be shocking, ironic or beautiful to ask for participation from the
observer. The viewer’s interpretation or unique vision is more
interesting to me than if they understand my intent/content. My hope
is that art can make people see and feel something that reaches
beyond the physical and intellectual. If this experience causes a
viewer to ponder, wonder or form an opinion, I have satisfied a
significant part of my artistic mission. This can happen in an
endless variety of ways...by producing art that is at once
frightening and beautiful or peaceful and confusing or comfortable
and challenging, I ask of art to reach beyond my own
personal passion and move into the hopeful realm of changing
the world around me, the people and our collective consciousness.
Some of my work is directly influenced by past cultures; their
mythology, religion and symbolism. I am particularly fascinated by
rites, rituals, ceremonies and the practitioners of spiritual acts.
These interests serve as a seed or beginning point for much of my
art. Often my work evolves from one simple idea and then moves off
into some unexpected direction. When this does happen, I am anxious
to explore the images that follow. If art offers an unexpected
opportunity for the viewer to discover something new about
themselves, then I am truly awed by the power and magic of art.
“The job of the
artist is always to deepen the mystery” - Francis Bacon
These paintings represent a new direction for my art and personal
life as well. Simply put, I have higher aspirations and thusly,
requirements, for this body of work. My hope is to create work that
is timeless and less attached to Post Modernism’s seemingly endless
desire to acknowledge work that is dominated by academic concepts
and intellectual evaluation. The work strives to focus on emotion
over thought.
Mystery and sensuality are more important than celebrating supposed
new ideas. Questions and answers become secondary to discoveries
triggered by emotion. Technique is a tool, thought an opinion and
passion an undeniable truth. I have been told that these pieces fall
into the category of “Magic Realism”. To seek to achieve such a
lofty goal as being magical and real at once, is challenging and
very rewarding. To meld nature with spirituality and beauty with
enigma feels quite natural. The truth is that I have become quite
obsessively addicted to this process. The paintings are my savior
and muse for life. Again, one of the main goals is to compel the
viewer to participate in the experience; for me that is very real
and very magical.
"The essential condiment of beauty is strangeness" - Baudelaire
"14th Annual Realism Invitational"
- Klaudia Marr Gallery -
Santa Fe, NM
"Illuminaria" -
Estel Gallery - Nashville, TN
Matrix Fine Art -
Albuquerque, NM
"Magic Realism" - solo exhibition at
Rubbish Gallery - Colorado Springs, CO
"Goddess Imagery" -
Joan Hanley Gallery - La Veta, CO
"Candlepower" -
Phototroph Gallery - Colorado Springs
"I-25 Invitational" - Sangre De
Cristo Art Center - Pueblo, CO
"Dreams, Nature and Ritual" ( 3
person show) Plantera Group - Co. Springs, CO
"Occult Penetralia" (one man show of
new work and retro spective) Fountain Valley School - Fountain, CO
"Layers of Meanings and Memories" (4
person show) Chaffee County Arts Council -
Buena Vista, CO
"Ten by Ten" (curated invitational) -
Sangre De Cristo Art Center - Pueblo, CO
"Metalmorphosis, Squint, Red, Into the
Looking Glass" Business of Art Center - Manitou Springs, CO
"Recycle Re-Invent" (curated
invitational) - Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center
"Inside Out" (5 person show) -
University of Colorado - Colorado Springs
"Colo. Arts Education Association 2000" -
Tri-Lakes Art Center. CO
"Colorado 2000" (juried show)
Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, Co. Springs, CO
Thunderstruck Gallery - Colorado
Springs, CO
Best Visual Artist 2004 - PAPAA Award
Best of Show - Goddess Imagery Show- Joan Hanley Gallery
Best Art Exhibition for 2001- The Gazette (Colo. Springs)
Best Visual Artist (1 of 3 finalists) - Pikes Peak Arts Council
Most Creative - The Colorado Springs Independent
Best of Show ( Mask-o-Rama 4) Business of Art Center
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