Artist’s Statement: May 11th 2006

My approach to a body of work:

My starting point is often from realism and with that, I have a certain theme in mind. The theme is derived first from personal experiences and second from additional information that I gather around the theme. This may mean that I have to read numerous books to gain more knowledge. After that comes my interpretation. The ideas often come as if something in the universe is handing the picture to me. Sometimes the picture is given to me bright and clear, other times I receive only a bare bones vision that needs to be worked out further. The process is for me the most exciting part. Perhaps the viewer can taste some of it looking at the end result.

Biography

My background is in teaching. I added courses leading to my eventually becoming a fine art teacher. In the early 80's, I exhibited my work in our own restaurant as an interesting side effect. I was also asked to do commissioned work.

After an intermezzo of approximately 15 years, I am back behind the easel almost full time. It took a number of years practicing to regain my skills.


In August 2005, I was able to have a show of my pastel drawings in the Salmon Arm Art Gallery. The theme of the show was "Community of Music", inspired by my involvement with the local Community Band. The enthusiastic responses of visitors gave me enough inspiration to continue with my next theme, "Playing with Myth". This time I am working with oil on canvas. The results will become a permanent exhibition in Zion United Church in Armstrong, BC. Each piece will be hung there as it is completed. This process will continue until I feel I am finished with the subject. At that time, there will be an opening celebration.