‘Growing up as a foreigner in Europe I became acutely aware of the difference between how I saw myself and how others defined me. Preconceived notions of Americans typically had more influence on how I was perceived than my own actions. These often contrary viewpoints were a striking introduction to the subjective nature of perception. My work explores the inherent conflict between simple objects or scenes and the complex perception that personal experience brings to a subject.

I bring my own perception of the subject to my work through the use of highly representative and heavily abstracted elements. At first glance, the literal elements of the paintings are most significant. Upon further reflection, the role of the abstract components in providing context for those literal elements becomes clear. The expressive nature of the abstract exists in the contrast to the representative facets of my work. The act of resolving this tension between the literal and abstract is a symbolic exploration of the relationship between the subjective and objective aspects of perception. My paintings are the visual record of the complex internal dialogue that exists throughout this process. The subject matter, my knowledge of art history, materials, technique, methodology, and my own narrative are all equivalent counterparts in this discourse.

The nature of perception is further reflected throughout my creative process. Exhaustive photography of the subject allows for the creating of a collective perspective. While my internal dialogue develops the highly flexible nature of oil paint allows me to keep the work vital. And while at times I still seek the give of canvas or the precision of a uniform surface like archival panel, I find that linen most often provides a consistency as well as liveliness upon which to watch the finished work unfold.’

Follow This Artist