Artist Statement
Art is like breath. Without it there is no living or existing. I couldn’t survive, let alone flourish without creativity. It comes to me organically, in raw concepts and images. Sometimes these ideas are a memory, a passion, or even a possession I cherish. At other times they are simply a thought or emotion provoking concept which drives me to paint. Painting gives me the opportunity to put my fingerprint upon the fabric of this reality; I’m closer to reality when I paint than at any other time. I cannot help but feel it is my purpose in life to display these images. Only then can others see what I see.
I grew up in a small, one stop light town in a rural section of North Carolina called Seven Lakes. Despite knowing I was different, I had a rather normal and successful childhood. It lasted until I turned sixteen. I had a complete breakdown and was finally diagnosed with schizophrenia and severe depression. After two years of being mostly unresponsive and residing in a psychiatric hospital, I found the right cocktail of medications. Slowly I merged back to reality. My mind works completely different than it did prior to my breakdown. I had to relearn how to function, and it was a lengthy process. Art was one of my primary means of recovery and continues to be today. Without it I can’t exist, no more than my paintings could exist without me.
Art gives me a means to connect- with others, my reality, my emotions, and myself. I use it as an outlet for my moods and curiosity. With it I can freely explore different mediums, color combinations, and designs. I can capture a moment in time or a universal pattern that serves as an underlying theme in nature. My art can portray love, freedom, or the technicolor effect of an abrasive world. The drive to paint is cleansing, the process, enlightening. One of my favorite aspects of art is the mystery. One will never know how the piece will evolve, and eventually, turn out. I choose to display my images in bright and vivid color. Sacred geometry plays a role in my life and it’s principles and philosophy are often depicted in my work through shapes and patterns. Symbolism also is a reoccurring aspect of my paintings. Sometimes the pieces feature a spiritual aura. Whether my art takes the form of a painting, jewelry, or photography, my creations are as eclectic as my interests. I can only hope that my art inspires those who take a moment to share my vision.
I grew up in a small, one stop light town in a rural section of North Carolina called Seven Lakes. Despite knowing I was different, I had a rather normal and successful childhood. It lasted until I turned sixteen. I had a complete breakdown and was finally diagnosed with schizophrenia and severe depression. After two years of being mostly unresponsive and residing in a psychiatric hospital, I found the right cocktail of medications. Slowly I merged back to reality. My mind works completely different than it did prior to my breakdown. I had to relearn how to function, and it was a lengthy process. Art was one of my primary means of recovery and continues to be today. Without it I can’t exist, no more than my paintings could exist without me.
Art gives me a means to connect- with others, my reality, my emotions, and myself. I use it as an outlet for my moods and curiosity. With it I can freely explore different mediums, color combinations, and designs. I can capture a moment in time or a universal pattern that serves as an underlying theme in nature. My art can portray love, freedom, or the technicolor effect of an abrasive world. The drive to paint is cleansing, the process, enlightening. One of my favorite aspects of art is the mystery. One will never know how the piece will evolve, and eventually, turn out. I choose to display my images in bright and vivid color. Sacred geometry plays a role in my life and it’s principles and philosophy are often depicted in my work through shapes and patterns. Symbolism also is a reoccurring aspect of my paintings. Sometimes the pieces feature a spiritual aura. Whether my art takes the form of a painting, jewelry, or photography, my creations are as eclectic as my interests. I can only hope that my art inspires those who take a moment to share my vision.