Transformation is a series of oil paintings that I have developed that highlights the many emotions involved in change. Through this analysis of life, I have completed work that describes a survival of struggles, healing from addictions and the overcoming of human flaws. My work is inspired by the positive changes in lifestyles. I opened up my selection of individuals for the Transformation series to anybody who had gone through personal struggles, but chose to highlight one important element. All of my models had one aspect of their experience in common. They all believed that their recovery came supernaturally. My models have expressed emotions of reflection, remorse, and some show a sense of victory by showing a joyous expression upon their faces.
My Tourism series was inspired by the quirkiness of tourists found near an ocean. I responded to a sunbather caught purposefully baking in the sun on the East coast. My interest is in studying the way beach vacationers interact to their surroundings on their time off. There is a humor in the description of relaxing at the beach. Vacationers lack of wisdom to "lotion up" and the money that is spent in such careless ways are the moments that are universal. In a strange way, I am drawn to the subject matter because of the memories it brings back. The Tourism series reflects my non-traditional approach to the commercialized and somewhat mundane subject matter of the seascape. My twist is thought to bring joy to others and to bring the tourist alumni back to a fond memory of their own.
Photography plays a prominent role in my work. I work in an analogous split-complementary color scheme with a clear photograph. Lighting is significant. A strong light source is not only symbolic, but it also illuminates the figures thus capturing the dramatic effect that I am interested in capturing. Through the painting’s composition, environment, pose, and lighting, I am able to communicate symbolic meaning.
I always work closely with oil paints because I am drawn to the flow of the brush against a traditionally stretched canvas. History connects itself to me every time I pick up my paint brush and make a mark. There will always be ways to create something new with this medium which is why I have chosen it.
My Tourism series was inspired by the quirkiness of tourists found near an ocean. I responded to a sunbather caught purposefully baking in the sun on the East coast. My interest is in studying the way beach vacationers interact to their surroundings on their time off. There is a humor in the description of relaxing at the beach. Vacationers lack of wisdom to "lotion up" and the money that is spent in such careless ways are the moments that are universal. In a strange way, I am drawn to the subject matter because of the memories it brings back. The Tourism series reflects my non-traditional approach to the commercialized and somewhat mundane subject matter of the seascape. My twist is thought to bring joy to others and to bring the tourist alumni back to a fond memory of their own.
Photography plays a prominent role in my work. I work in an analogous split-complementary color scheme with a clear photograph. Lighting is significant. A strong light source is not only symbolic, but it also illuminates the figures thus capturing the dramatic effect that I am interested in capturing. Through the painting’s composition, environment, pose, and lighting, I am able to communicate symbolic meaning.
I always work closely with oil paints because I am drawn to the flow of the brush against a traditionally stretched canvas. History connects itself to me every time I pick up my paint brush and make a mark. There will always be ways to create something new with this medium which is why I have chosen it.