I am a sculptor who paints. My paintings are a combination of instinct, intellect, and, more importantly, a process. Stone is a step-by-step evolution of the piece. I am not a fast worker.
On abstract paintings, I usually make a few marks with charcoal, and the process begins. I have often said that I create a problem and then work on the painting until I resolve the problem. That entails many times of putting something in, wiping something out until I reach a visual balance. When the drawing is right, I begin playing with various textures and the depth of texture. I also have a step back and look process, which can involve days of looking but not working. I walk a lot when I’m painting. When I have reached a balance, using color is also a process. There are many changes of pallet as the painting grows, therefore you will see a lot of glazing, which, in my opinion, adds to the translucency of the color. I am constantly adding and removing paint, and the painting visually changes from start to finish. I work on it until suddenly it’s in balance, and it’s done.
Looking back over the past 30 years or so, I find that certain elements have been showing up in my work, whether it’s sculpture or painting. I love the interlocking of major and minor space. Triangle and pyramid shapes abound. One form appears over another. Texture blends into something smooth. It’s all about watching light play on and in the surface. It’s all about physical and visual touch.
