Painting allows me to imagine what could be. With the new pieces in the Couples series, I explore the role of art in environment by considering the ability of artwork to lend a feeling of warmth and connection to a space even if the figures lack human physiological characteristics or facial expressions. Does this treatment, simultaneously cold and tender, interfere with, or enhance, our ability to feel a connection to the figures?

Concern over climate change has brought my attention back to this series of paintings, through which I imagine possible new plant and animal life that could evolve in response to environmental changes. With no doubt that the current rate of species extinction is alarmingly high, my naturally hopeful and curious nature pivots to imagine what robust new life forms might emerging in defensive response. Will Humans, plants and animals develop a more symbiotic relationship with survival on the line?

New work is being added to the Family series of oil paintings in 2023. Related to the Chatter Box works on paper which explore a variety of communication issues, these new works evolve around characters and scenes that focus on those imperfect family members and situations that don’t exactly go as planned; but it’s the thought that counts! Backgrounds are a secondary thematic focus. You may recognize historic references lurking behind the scenes.