Artist's Statement

These paintings look like small blackboards with miniature “chalk” drawings in the corners.   In the centers of each panel is a tightly realistic oil painting of some object from my everyday life.   I try to infuse my still-life’s with optimism, irony, spiritualism, even sarcasm, but cloaked in artistic realism.

The fact that the picture in the center is surrounded by strange drawings, which seemingly don’t have much to do with the image, is intended to give it another dimension.   I am trying to create an elegance of symmetry and simplicity, but speak to complexity and depth at the same time.

The paintings might subconsciously suggest to the viewer a variety of ideas, such as “learning” and “study”.   Maybe there is a suggestion of appreciation, and a sense of slowing down to see life close up, in the way it is painted.

Most of all it is intended to be open-ended enough for each viewer to bring their own interpretations to the paintings.   Everyone is different and has a different reaction to each combination of elements. What the viewer brings to the painting is what completes the work. I especially find it interesting when a viewer selects 3 or 4 of these paintings to hang together as a unit because their choices make a statement.