Journey into Art, Traveling Between East and West

An Artist’s Statement

I am neither a traditionalist nor am I a purist. I am not held to conventions or rules; I prefer to let the paper, ink, brushes and paint take me on a journey that is a mystery with no preconceived beginning or ending.  My initial overtures in art began with charcoal and pastel, leading to watercolors.  My heart takes me into Creation and nature’s beauty; I feel the need to infuse my paintings with life and emotion. 

I have found that my western training was a natural progression into the eastern style of painting.  At first my steps into Chinese Brush painting were tentative; stepping carefully and hesitantly with the new instruments of paper, ink and brush. The differences are many, the vision is the same.  I began using the ink to try to achieve the tonal qualities employed by the masters.  However, my love of color and the freedom of my spirit soon took over. I believe that I have been able to bring in perspective and depth to my work, blending color and style in each painting.  When I begin a painting, I don’t know if it will be a landscape or a lotus.  As I apply the paint to the paper an image begins to take shape, it may appear to be an abstract landscape, with open space, mists, mountains, trees and water; then comes the color,  the detail, the life, the emotion. 

I have been to China, I have gone to the mountains, the desert and the cities. I have visited the museums, studied the painting styles of the dynasties; I am a fusion of east and west. So often I am asked if my painting is of a particular style, place or time, no, the image lives within me and is born into the work I produce. 

I have been asked to describe my technique in the blending of two different styles; I can only tell you about myself, how my spirit is set free and rejoices in my work.