While completely abstract, the collection of paintings nod deeply to the landscapes of my daily life: the great, flat valley and Berryessa mountains – aerial views from drones and airplanes – books I am reading – visits to the sea – riverbed rocks and stones that I gather and keep with great affection – and the plethora of excellent art I am fortunate to witness.
On a good day in the studio I work fast and talk out loud to the elements as I go. It is like a raucous party attended by Miles Davis and Mozart, Gregorian priests and my mother, an old boyfriend, Donald Trump and the Dalai Lama, Marilyn Monroe and an elderly Agnes Martin – all showing up as the shapes, lines and colors go down. I’m never sure who or what is going to appear or if the parts will play well together. Inevitably there is a big complicated problem on the canvas and I have to start negotiating: which parts stay and which get painted out. The wordless language of painting is about bringing something to life and then letting it go. Dare to say goodbye to the precious bits and hallelujah! – something wonderful shows up in their place. And suddenly, I know the painting is finished. A balance of generosity and ruthlessness, an equal presence of thought and impulse – it all plays a staring role in my paint universe, my TRUE NORTH.
STUDIO 255B
PAINTING / MIXED MEDIA
