Preserver (For Frida) - lifeguard Collage

ARTIST STATEMENT ​ Throughout my career, I have been driven by a devotion to experimentation, combining diverse materials and processes. My artistic journey defies categorization, as I am constantly exploring a wide range of disciplines, subject matter and materials. This passion continues in my latest body of work, where I delve into large-scale abstract landscapes through mixed-media techniques. Drawing from my deep love of collage and a desire to communicate positive messages, my compositions are guided by an intuitive sense of balance, color theory and texture studies in a fluid, exploratory approach. My paintings are lively, abstract color-scapes created from found and reclaimed paper ephemera, such as blueprints, vintage maps, and letters, which evoke a sense of nostalgia rooted in my Midwestern upbringing. I build the paintings around grid-like structures, both symmetrical and asymmetrical, serving as a foundation for the various elements I weave into my work. The compositions take shape organically with each layer of paper and paint meticulously applied to conceal or reveal the layers beneath and often feature patterns, typography, and found objects, layered into intricate configurations that are both complex and harmonious, inviting viewers to explore the intricate tapestry of my artistic evolution and personal journey.