ABOUT ME AND THE SITE
So why an artist? Lots of reasons, but one big catalyst. In the space of thirty days, I was diagnosed with two serious, incurable conditions - Parkinson's disease (PD) and a very rare form of lymphoma. My interest in art began building in subtle ways after the diagnoses, and has grown with my medical adventures, particularly the Parkinson's. I have become convinced that there is a real connection here, and it has been a blessing. It's now been 10 years - and both my health and my artwork seem to be improving.
Why this work? The answer is both more complex and constantly unfolding. Let me start by saying that I began this work unburdened by formal training, and though I have since had the good fortune of learning from some wonderful artists and educators, remain largely self-taught. My early approach to questions and projects could be characterized by “shiny objects” (trying to recreate something that grabbed my attention) or “new toys” (trips to art supply stores). As time passed and I took classes, saw more artwork and spent time with artists the shape of my questions and interests changed. I began to see series of questions and work become topics to explore. These topics required both study as well as practice. Often times the topics were also related to each other. In the last year, I’ve tried to shape these topics with more depth and discipline, and connect my art practice to them. This is the first time that my thinking has come together with enough clarity to communicate it.
I am currently focusing my work on four major topics:
This site is dedicated to our departed friend, Gilbert “Nick” Nicholas, whose love of art and constant support played a big part in this story as well. We miss him, and think of him often.
Why this work? The answer is both more complex and constantly unfolding. Let me start by saying that I began this work unburdened by formal training, and though I have since had the good fortune of learning from some wonderful artists and educators, remain largely self-taught. My early approach to questions and projects could be characterized by “shiny objects” (trying to recreate something that grabbed my attention) or “new toys” (trips to art supply stores). As time passed and I took classes, saw more artwork and spent time with artists the shape of my questions and interests changed. I began to see series of questions and work become topics to explore. These topics required both study as well as practice. Often times the topics were also related to each other. In the last year, I’ve tried to shape these topics with more depth and discipline, and connect my art practice to them. This is the first time that my thinking has come together with enough clarity to communicate it.
I am currently focusing my work on four major topics:
- Palettes: the impact of painting with analogous colors
- Textures: how they are created, and how they interact with colors
- Geometry: building abstracts with geometric figures
- Iconography: creating new figures
This site is dedicated to our departed friend, Gilbert “Nick” Nicholas, whose love of art and constant support played a big part in this story as well. We miss him, and think of him often.