My Tree of Life Painting

Having spent the bulk of my career as a fashion designer in New York, I approach each painting as a textile of sorts: rich in color, pattern, hand feel, and depth. Raised in Carmel, CA, I was constantly struck by the stunning nature that impacted my youth and now, all these years later, I am processing the effect of such natural splendor. Painting is the vehicle by which I ponder the world I was raised in--and also how I attempt to harmonize the musings of my mind. Nature plays a big roll in all of this. It is via the canvas that I am also able to explore patterns, almost like a textile designer might, and this comes from my previous work in the fashion industry. I adore pattern, lines, shapes, and color -- and the layering of each. As such, all are typically present in my works. I am a huge fan of asian art, and take great inspiration from byobu screens, for instance, that depict natural settings. There is a peaceful quality, and an elegant simplicity, to such screens that I attempt to impart on my own paintings. The end goal is to have a serene moment when I paint and hopefully give a viewer the same experience. I currently split my time between Carmel, CA and Oxford, MS.