I Believe, not that a person is born an artist nor that artistic talents lie deep within a person waiting to escape, but that artistic vision starts from day one through the use of senses. We start by noticing the difference between light and dark, then along the way we notice colors, shapes, smell, feel, and taste. Early on we react to sensual input based on the reactions of our mentors and this
helps to shape our path as an artist. Many times have I seen a toddler fall and look around to judge what the reaction should be based on the people that may or may not have noticed. As we grow older we interpret groups of senses as feelings(fear, pain, joy, excitement, etc.), and this is where we start creating feelings based on our own experiences. Experience is our palette and the colors on our palette are influenced by sensual interpretations. While a thunderstorm may be shown by one artist as dark and foreboding, it may be shown as energetic and awesome by another. To get back to me, I was introduced to nature and the outdoors early through walks in the woods of rural Connecticut and the Berkshire Mountains, and I still find beauty in the outdoors from the musty smells of decomposing leaves and logs to the fragrent and sometimes pungent odors of wildflowers in bloom; from the smooth red bark of a Madrone tree to the spiny Devils Club; and from the hoot of an owl to the raspy voice of the raven to the lyrical song of the meadowlark. I am happiest in the great outdoors, especially here in the great northwest. While you cannot smell the flowers, or hear the wind soughing through the trees, or small animals scurrying through the leaves, or feel the warm sun on your back as you sit atop a large granite boulder enjoying the view, I hope my images will leave you with a full sensual palette through memories of your own experiences.
“Oh yeah, I remember when I.....”
Thank you, and I hope you like what you see.