Artist Statement

I have been a portrait painter for over 35 years. I am inherently drawn to the connection between our physical and spiritual selves, and I paint to depict that essence. For my personal projects, the subjects I choose are members of my local community. For commissions, the relational aspect begins before I enter my studio. My goal in painting is to portray the person before me, as well as the surrounding area, and engage the viewer to connect directly with them. I work with oil paint as it reflects not just a singular moment, but a moment that is rendered over a period of time. Painting multiple layers allows for a richness of detail and complexity to emerge. When I focus on the person before me, rendering the subject matter through paint on canvas, I am honouring that person's value and place in this moment. My paintings are about connecting to each other, and to our local communities.