ARTIST STATEMENT
My paintings express the contrast between nature and man-made structures. I have a real affinity for architecture and a deep appreciation of nature, especially the landscape of Hawaii, where I currently live. Watching a palm tree shadow sway across a building's surface, or a reflection of a high rise in a puddle are just two examples of visual experiences that fuel my desire to paint the world around me.
My subject matter often involves old and sometimes even abandoned buildings. Bringing a building back to life on a visual level and restoring its original dignity while telling a story of its past is the major focus of my work.
My process begins with the observation of the environment and the architecture that is within, allowing me to understand the relationship between the two. Paying close attention to how the light and shadows change through a period of time, I gain a understanding of the overall character of the structure. Through this observation process I am able to immerse the viewer into a world of intrigue and curiosity, while giving them a sense of knowledge and understanding towards the architecture of the Hawaiian Islands.
In my current series “Architecture and the Landscape,” I have created a visual overview of Hawaii’s architecture. These paintings capture the architectural diversity of the islands and their subject matter, ranging from pristine and dignified Buddhist temples to decaying sugar mill factories. By capturing these structures on canvas, I am telling a story that reflects the divergence of architectural styles adopted throughout the islands, preserving distant memories of past generations and cultural practices.
Painting in an Impressionistic style with hints of realism has been greatly influenced by my previous career in architecture. I feel combining these styles has allowed me a greater sense of artistic freedom within my work, while continually exploring and expanding my knowledge which is based on intuition and immediacy through Impressionism.
