The Shadow of the Valley of Death Painting

I am a narrative artist who is inspired by myths, dreams and storytelling. I especially like tales where animals have power and distinct personalities and have as much, or even more presence in this world as humans do. Although my paintings tend not to have a linear narrative, I find that each painting I make, occupies a very specific geographic place, and also adds to the collective narrative, of an alternate world that keeps expanding and gaining definition the more that I paint. Because I don't begin with a sketch or storyline, it often feels that I am just a conduit that stories pass through so that I can bring them to life. But over time, looking at the scope of what I've created, it is obvious that while these stories come from outside of me, they are also shaped as they pass through me and end up expressing all that they see in me too. I don't know what this means to me or what it is supposed to mean to anyone but I like that other people respond to my paintings with stories of their own. I also like the feeling that I have access to an alternate reality just under the surface of this world. One where animals get to live out their own stories without so much human interference. One with fleeing and reprieve, temporary safe havens, lands that contain vast homes for various creatures, portals and passages and roads all leading to the next place.