lizard in raleigh

05 January 2011

My work begins as an abstract shape. Free association facilitates the next steps as an image appears and I am able to define it. I enjoy painting in an intuitive manner, with no pre sketching or plan of what the finished piece will look like. Not knowing where the finish line lies makes the process just as important as the completion; when frustration stems from unsureness, unhappy mistakes lead to reworking, and blissful memories are evoked from the resulting imagery. The end result is always a surprise.

During my next piece I will photograph throughout the process. I'd like to illustrate what I mean by having the piece begin as an abstract shape.

The piece below is one of four on display at Helios cafe throughout the month of January.

'Coastal' oil on canvas 20"x24"

22 November 2010

It's almost December!?!

I'm currently working on a 4'x5' painting (this thing is a beast) that will premiere at Helios on December 3.

I've been reading the novel Little,Big by John Crowley and the visions that it is creating my head is having a subtle impact on my work. Although, I think I am fond of the book because the images that it creates mirror the kinds of images that end up on my canvases.

Gould's Book of Fish by Richard Flanagan is similar in that respect.

Bonded Llama's open house was quieter than usual, but it was still a lot of fun, and I even sold a couple prints and a painting. Having traded studio spaces gave me a new hang out for the duration of the open house. Our 'lounge' area is just outside my studio (bonus!). Photos of the new space to come... and once the painting is hung in Helios I'll post pictures of that too.

10 May 2010

so... it's been awhile

So far this year I've been in two shows, both featuring art for $25. This is not an easy task for an oil painter, and it's been trial and error. A really great experience all in all, since making mistakes are the guts of that creative monster. I sold pieces in both shows, which I guess you could say makes it a successful show. At the very least I'm not in the hole for the cost of materials, and I'm getting my name "out there". The first was the Bonded Llama $25 Show in February, and this past first friday (May 7) at Design Box, the PBaRt show.

Coming up next... Traffic Jam at AHpeele! Sunday May 15, 2010. I'll be selling prints, recycled/remade clothing stuff, and handmade wood rings. You should be there.