""Primary" contemporary stacked rock collage" Painting

I am a self taught artist and began my entire art journey in December of 2018. It was the first time I had painted since I was a kid. I had always loved art but through the years my journey took me down a different path.

Using primarily inks I create mixed media collage cairns (stacked rocks) as a symbol of balance, guidance and unity. I love experimenting with a variety of techniques in my pieces using vibrant colors of various types of inks. I prefer inks because of their fluidity. I use marker, alcohol and tattoo inks in most of my pieces. Unlike putting paint on a canvas, the inks can be unpredictable which keeps me ready to adapt and change my plans while I'm working.

Cairns inspire me as they date back to ancient times. They've been used in many ways but in North America they're primarily used to help guide hikers through trails. I create them as a reminder for us all to follow our own path in life and to stay balanced and work together.

In my pieces I am creating multiple paintings that must cohesively work with one another as a single unit. Each rock is its own individual but balances with the others to create beautiful unity. Sometimes the simplicity of one stone compliments the complexity of another. In turn I find this very representative of mankind. All beautiful, unique and created individually but must work together.

When I create I get lost in intuitive expression. It's less about technique and more about experimentation and what feels right. Sometimes I feel absent from the moment yet submerged in the painting all at once.