Waldo Painting

I am intrigued by the passage of time, the varied experience of memories and childhood curiosity. The perception of these themes depends on our point of view. I challenge the normal point of view by combining fantastical elements with the ordinary and finding beauty in age and decay. Thus showing that with a little imagination our everyday experiences can include fantasy and whimsy. And maybe if only for a few minutes we can see the world with both child like curiosity and adult philosophical reflection. I find inspiration everywhere. Nature, literature, or a single word can spark an idea. Sometimes it is a vision of the completed piece sometimes merely a central idea to be developed as I work. One thing is consistent however, I always begin my work with a flash of inspiration, and end it when I believe I have captured the fleeting idea so it can be experienced again and again. My current body of work is mixed media paintings done over vintage love letters, recipe cards and paperwork. I layer whimsical subject matter over tangible representations of human relationships. The whimsy creates moments of joy and stress relieving smiles, thus allowing for a pause in which to experience the heart, soul and human connections embodied in the vintage backgrounds. Juxtaposing whimsy with textural reality creates surprise, wonder, and a need to look closer.