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CULTIVATION |
I was born in Knoxville, Tennessee where I received an undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee with a triple major in fine art, art education, and human services, also earning a Master of Theology degree from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in Massachusetts. Figurative Realism became a prominent feature of my paintings and drawings in the late-1990’s. At which time, I spent a decade in independent study and mentorship with internationally renowned artists and teachers, particularly painters Hugh O’Donnell and Robert Sherer; also Jean Houston, scholar, philosopher, and researcher in Human Capabilities; and Robert Moss, historian, author, and creator of Active Dreaming. It was this intensive melding of creativity and spiritual exploration that gave grounding, energy, and form to my artistic journey. |
INSPIRATION |
My works are rooted in chiaroscuro style photorealism and hyperrealism, created on large-scale, museum-quality substrates. Each stroke is laid with the utmost attention to detail and an interplay of light and shadow. Working at this level of detail becomes an active meditation. Like a repetitive mantra, I move into a peaceful state of flow, a mindless presence. I “read” the paintings the same way I read my dreams; the visual imagery is like a voice that communicates in layers of understanding. It is this potent sense of Presence that I believe is imbued into each artwork. When urged by a collector’s request to paint a “great white horse” that had appeared to her in a dream, I knew I would have to accept this commission, though it was a major departure from years of work with the human figure. I too had experienced an identical dream during a shamanic healing ceremony during which I was healed from a partial paralysis on the right side of my body. This commission opened a new exploration of what I experience as the energy of the Divine Feminine, allowing me communion and expression of the being’s very essence. |
RECAPItulation |
My own journey has led me west to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where I find daily inspiration from the light, the land and other creative souls. In the wisdom of my autumn years, I once again find myself at the precipice of a new beginning. My path of discovery has taught me to soften and surrender, to delight in the anticipation of transformation. I remain committed to my vocation to create archetypal symbols that kindle remembrance of our interconnectedness, our Oneness. |
“Awaken your spirit to adventure,
Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk.
Soon you will be HOME in a new rhythm,
For your soul senses the world that awaits you.”
–John O’Donohue
