I draw inspiration from my work over the years as a farm laborer and landscaper. I am ever impressed with the flowers, fruit, and terrain of an area.
I am attracted to the drama of intense sunlight in the landscape, filtered through foliage and across tree trunks, veils of neon color intersecting shadows. Working directly outside allows a certain discomfort and refreshing spontaneity to enter my painting practice, further enhancing the interpretation of an environment’s energy.
To slow down to a more meditative speed, I also work from observation indoors. Still lives present optical gems of reflected light and color. I often arrange objects with food and drink I’ve grown, picked, pressed or bottled myself. I have a constant interaction with natural subjects through the years of horticultural employment which provides an intimate acquired knowledge about what I’m painting; its weight, texture, scent, taste, even the history of its process are known to me, as I watch them grow and change throughout the work season.
