I am inspired to paint by everyday moments that are a continuing source of visual and emotional stimulation. The mind expanding experiences of traveling to China, East Africa, Morocco, Portugal and Provence in the past few years have inspired me to open up a corresponding pictorial space in my work, leading to a brighter palette and airier compositions.

I create my abstract paintings as much from my imagination and dreams as from images in the world. The process of painting is a journey inward into wordless and symbolic space. I explore an internal landscape that sometimes depicts mysterious, imagined cities or invented terrain. I layer marks, color and texture, following the intriguing shapes and images that materialize until they lead to unexpected and surprising destinations These imaginary environments are not just for myself, but are a place for viewers to also be drawn in and experience a journey of their own.

Using charcoal, acrylic, hand-painted collage papers, fabric, found papers and newsprint, I compose and then paint directly on the canvas without planning. As I apply the materials, they inspire new ideas, each step suggesting another. I work on many paintings at once, putting each aside until it seems unfamiliar and new again. This process can be effortless and thrilling when the painting seems to create itself; at other times, it can be painstaking as I work to discover just the right shapes, marks and colors to express my intent.