2014  •  24 x 20"  Show size

Acrylic on hardboard

In general, about 97% of my paintings are improvised, in terms of the design and pattern. There are abstract artists whose work I admire and abstract work that might influence my artistic perspectives, but these things are not necessarily my source of inspiration. When I have a new, beautifully blank hardboard, I start sketching in pencil with no rhyme or reason - whatever feels right. I’m still trying to learn how these designs make it onto the hardboard, traveling from my brain to my hand in such an instinctual way. It can be difficult to understand the true inspiration behind a piece of one’s own artwork, especially when the sketch and colors come from seemingly nowhere. I’m exploring the ways in which I view the world - the shapes, lines, and dimensions I see in everyday life. I find myself in awe of organic patterns, like the coloring on my cats’ calico fur, the intricate arrangement of veins on a leaf, or the Fibonacci sequence on a pineapple’s skin. I believe these naturally occurring designs in ordinary objects motivate the designs in my paintings. Arkitar, for example, was one of my most improvised paintings. I remember having zero clue where I was going with it, but I went with it anyways.