Normal Frog Artwork

Feelings are central to my work, they permeate my drawing and painting practice. Working with acrylic paint and oil, I create works of art that illustrate the contrasts in our world, whether they be colors, tones or emotions. My current practice focuses on drawn sense painting (regarding human behavior, relationships, contradictions, interactions, ambiguity, and place) Experimentation is an important part of my practice, whether it's using non-traditional tools or exploring color. I create a scene in my imagination and realize ideas in painting. Some paintings are painted quickly, while others take months or years before the final touch is made, though each piece offers the same invitation to look for beauty and fullness in the everyday moments of our lives in stories and feelings. The way awareness moves life, events can change our lives just as paint changes a canvas. Our lives are filled with different emotions and feelings - only when the contrasts come together can we appreciate the beauty of a complete picture, the happiness of a fulfilled life. My work is textured and layered , serving as a visual parallel to how our lives are the result of the layered experiences and the impact they have on us. If I were to describe the process I do it's: painting, smudging, smearing, cleaning, changing, smearing, scratching, changing, marking, erasing, digging; realizing ideas and moments in abstract spaces. Life situations, journeys and changes reveal visual triggers, liberating my ideas and evoking an unexpected combination of subjects. Imagination and memory create an image in my mind and the brush in my hands brings it all to life on canvas. The ideas and behavior of the material give me guidance, as do the layered narratives constantly flowing through everyday life, all of which and my subconscious are part of the process, I allow creativity and inspiration to pave the way as I create, it helps keep the content and picture alive. I often work without a detailed sketch as the image sits in my imagination. I am inspired by travel and people. Interacting with the world around me awakens new visual images in my mind and doesn't leave my thoughts until I portray it on canvas.