WHY DWELL? Print

My work is a quest for growth through the merging of a child’s perspective with that of an adult. I think of my paintings are narrative mindscapes, hence landscapes of the subconscious mind setting the context for the stories of ambiguously defined identities that embody the essence of the inner child alter ego within. They are a mix of abstraction, portraiture, and figuration visually. Themes addressed include contemporary issues such as internal and external conflict between motion and emotion, solid and void, time and space. The process behind how I paint imprints itself in the final visual of my work. I vary my approach to the canvas with control and loss of control. Mixing agitated brush strokes and dripping that are mapped out with detailed marks and drawing. I usually combine acrylic and oil painting in the same work, as they contrast with each other, thus deliberately breaking the art rule. My use of these two mediums includes mixing linseed oil with acrylics and water to oil colors. The paintings approach contemporary art as a learning experience where spontaneous gestures are outlined to back up the idea or concept evoked, to makes sense of the overall image created. I aim to remind people that there is a child in all of us that embodies spontaneity, curiosity, and dreams. Allowing this alter ego to resonate contributes to our growth amidst the contemporary society that generally shapes our perceived identity as adults. My artistic influence is Francis Bacon for his fearless approach to preserving paint accidents and chaos his process, setting the mood for his paintings. My personal influence is my confrontation with the real world and alter ego child within. My philosophy of art making is to paint subconsciously and consciously simultaneously, as the child in me my adult self simultaneously participate in my painting process. Thus, the paintings include both spontaneous and planned gestures. Through painting I urge to defy contemporary complexities by stimulating the subconscious alter ego inner child within to make sense of it.