Black Matter Painting

I have shown in various places some including: Chelsea, NY; Manhattan, Sacramento; Chicago, Beaumont, TX; Ewing, NJ; Winston-Salem, NC; Lenox, MA; Providence, RI; Jacksonville, and Norfolk, VA to Jekyll Island, GA. I placed with a Prize of Excellence, Award of Distinction at Art Addiction’s 2007 Medial Biennial and will exhibit in the Biennale Chianciano 2009. My art has appeared in several international juried publications and has a cover painting of the hardcover 2003 edition of New Art International. My favorite solo exhibition, Environments, was in Norfolk, VA from April 12-May 24th 2008. In Atlanta, 2011, I was the solo artist in the Forum Gallery at Defoor Center which was a part of a larger show, “Spring Rites.” In June, 2012 I was part of the Art Takes Times Square Billboard Exhibition which was exciting. I always wanted my art to be on a billboard. I am continually asked to show abroad for exhibitions as well as nationally. But, I consider the expenses of showing vs the prospect of selling and exposure online. Here is my current artist statement: There exists an element of “the unknown” during the painting process that is integral to my drive to paint. My work is often created by combining stained abstract layers with more representational forms, which involve brush strokes. I like to combine abstract stain with realism and/or pop inclusions. Natural, cyclical themes have been a constant in my art throughout the years. Some of my recurring themes include: Changing Environments/Atmospheres, Spirit Animals, Dreams, and recently States of Being. I probe my canvas journeys through successive layers of paint and other media (like sand). In a cartographic manner, the concept transfers to physical form on the canvas. Maps are continually being reconstructed according to geologic time and recent history. A painting or drawing is constantly evolving or being “rerouted.” It is a mapping process. Often, the artists will start a drawing (whether it becomes a painting, an under-painting, or not (or whether it is drawn with a paint brush like a preliminary outline)) lightly and redraw, or “remap” the area according to development. There is also an internal and subconscious journey taking place. I do employ or tap into a certain amount of automatism. If my paintings are representational, the “mapping” process happens with a brush and the outlines are painted. I don’t understand the need to use a pencil on the canvas.