Artist Statement

   The opportunity to paint has come later in life for me, and I find myself exploring a new artistic voice with half a century of life already lived. Those life experiences find their influence in the nostalgic moods and dream-like quality of my paintings. I experience a shift from reality to fantasy occurring when I paint, and that affinity with Magical Realism connects me to my Latin American heritage. If I begin a painting and allow myself to be open to the direction it goes without prejudice, I am often surprised in the end by an image that is totally unfamiliar to me. 

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The physical properties of paint and subject matter are equal considerations in my work. The unpredictability of loose paint requires an intuitive approach to painting and becomes a lesson in trust. My paintings tend to be small, and are described as haunting, quirky, mysterious, and sometimes humorous. I am drawn to quiet, and I employ that quality to areas of my paintings using subtlety in my color choices. The boldness of bright color, thick paint or energetic gesture are evidence of my emotional state. 

I have a need to make my work personal and intimate, and only consider a painting successful if it captures something that is real. I am reminded of the young children I taught who never questioned their own instincts, but instead, grabbed a loaded brush for the sensual joy of releasing it. 

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