DEAN DAY GALLERY

I am drawn to abstract painting because it is the most challenging, holds the most mystery for me and in the end, the most magic. In the simplest of terms, the work is a celebration of pure color, texture and form. For me, these paintings are not "about" something or "art objects" per se, as much as they are an opportunity to set in motion the imagination in the viewer and trigger an emotional response.

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I believe that through focused intensive engagement while making a painting, it is possible to imbibe it somehow with a residue of spirit, an intangible essence that gives the work a sense of presence. This can be felt by a sensitive viewer and moves the work toward the realm of art, as opposed to decoration or craft. It's a prospect worth pursing with each and every painting.

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My process is one of applying paint liberally, carving and digging back into it, and building up layers. Through this process of application and excavation I would say that I "find" a painting as much as "make" it.The whole time I am utterly engaged and letting my intuition be the primary driving force; although I am also using my training and experience to make hundreds and hundreds of decisions along the way as well. Openness and freedom are the key.

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I know the work is done when I stand back and it hits me all at once as being resolved visually and having a strong sense of presence about it. In the end, I hope the work conveys something that is not so much experienced with the mind, as felt with the body ... in an intimate, visceral and contemplative way.