I am interested in exploring basic human emotions. Drawing and painting have long provided avenues for me to travel on this journey. I paint in the style that I do because it allows me to strip away associations with known objects so that I am left with pure feeling. Although I experience art from a sensual and emotional standpoint, my work starts in my mind. Ideas about basic composition will stay there for a long time, percolating sometimes for years. When an idea comes into sharper focus and it is time for it to come out, I tend to go through a process. I may start with sketching. More likely, though, I will begin by rendering the idea in three-dimensional form. For example, for my “Folded Paper” series of paintings, I started by folding pieces of paper into shapes. If I liked what I saw, I drew it. If I liked the drawing, I painted it. For my “Lines” series, I used pieces of wire. And in all cases I need to follow a set of rules. A particular drawing will need to reveal a certain number of triangular shapes, or make a certain number of movements, or follow a specific grid system. For me, to create in any other way is like playing tennis with the net down. When I am ready to get down to painting, I like to work with oil based paints on hardboard. Hardboard has a smooth surface that is perfect for the rendering of sharp edged, geometric shapes. Protected from the oils of the paint by a fairly thick barrier of gesso, it is extremely durable. I like oil based paint for this reason as well. Also, the oils allow for interesting combinations when mixed, as well as offering luminosity. What I am trying to accomplish as an artist is to use abstract forms to plumb emotions unhindered, be it despair, joy, anger, etc. and in doing so, becoming part of something greater than myself. My aim is for those who experience my work to go there with me.