When I paint, the world on the canvas becomes a place of refuge, with its own shadow and light, sound and smell. It is where I want to live for a while. Some of my works appear abstract, but they are very recognizable as coming from the earth. I am deeply inspired by New England in the fall and spring, its landscapes and forests, by the magic of its light. For me it is like a dream and a connection to my soul. Images are not clearly defined. I invite the viewer to be pulled into their own internal landscape, their own dream.
Growing up in New York City, I spent as much time as possible in museums, viewing some of the greatest collections of Impressionist art and in Central Park. I would be mystified by the beautiful change of light on trees, streets and buildings. Dawn and twilight were the most enticing and mysterious times. This was my escape and as I look back now, it connected me to a Divine Presence.
I attended the High School of Music and Art, where I studied painting. I later took classes at the Fashion Institute of Technology, working in pen and ink, studying plants and flowers. I also attended Parsons School of Design working with color and form, and the Art Students League. I began painting Mandalas. I moved to northern CA. where I was greatly influenced by the muted tones, fog and mist and sensual hills of Marin County.
I came to RI in 1974. In 1999, influenced by the New England landscape, I began to feel the images as color and light. This created a new freedom for me internally and on the canvas.
I work in oils on canvas. I apply layers of paint to create texture and surprise for myself. I use a dry brush, no turpentine or glazes. My application is almost translucent. I work fast almost like using watercolors. I use brush, rag and fingers to put on paint and take it off in order to create the light I desire. My color palette is not broad, but this is what I have resonated with for the past 12 years. Personally my most successful work takes place in one sitting. Once the paint is dry, which happens fast, I cannot go back over it and create the same feeling. I want a flow of there and not there. I work from my photographs, although they are not a literal interpretation, from my imagination, and my remembrance. For the past 5 years I have also been exploring the image of the Buddha.
