Visual Art – Raleigh

Although I am not always an essentialist painter, essentialist thinking informs my work. I have most broadly focused my work around the study of light (source) and exploiting physical properties of paint to allude its presence. Conceptually, I find the presence of light to be a beautiful metaphor - inspirational and ubiquitous - while compositionally, light makes many implications and allegations. Essentially, however, light reveals all things. As a nutrient, the presence of light reveals growth. As a particle, the dispersion of light and gradient-color blends as it travels, revealing space. My work often lingers on layers of these projecting rays as indicators of depth and symbols of growth. In an effort to situate this construction of space in my work, I borrow from the geometric styles of Bauhaus and Op Art abstractions, harkening roots of constructivism, industry, and innovation. I am also heavily influenced by the Impressionist sentiment. Impressionism’s focus on the qualities of light and nature not only support my often phototropic subject matter, but also soften the more constructive elements of my work. This incorporation of evolving styles underscores the passage of time and variance in interpretation that is essential to forward motion. As an artist I believe my purpose is to reflect the times and remain responsive. I feel most equipped to respond in this language that I have studied for many years and strive to give my work importance beyond its craft and technical skill. I am a Greensboro native, living and working in Raleigh NC after studying studio art at UNC Chapel Hill. I am most interested in unification through the study of progression. I believe that by learning our past and observing our present we can collaborate for an efficient and compassionate future.