Collection One

This piece is inspired by the 1927 poem “Desiderata” by Max Ehrmann. The prose serves as a guide for leading a fulfilling life. The top bar has elements of the poem hammered into metal as if it was a monument for all to read, understand and practice. The supporting panel presents as a section of wall which was a recording device of the journey of living. The wall heard all the conversations, hopes, desires of the lives that came and went in its presence.

This is inspired by an ancient markings on a worn surface. The surface had markings created by a craftsman’s tools and workings. The surface is like a recording device of time. It records the marks of someone’s presence. An addition to this is the battered delivery of words. A message. The simply noted words are notations for the future.

The painting expresses the cadence of musical flow through the spacing, timing, colour and lines. The rhythm of this piece has a sinusoidal wave feeling. Each colour bar represents a corresponding sound. The complicated areas are offset by the subtle quiet spaces. The sharp colours and contrasting fine lines evoke quick plucks of sound. The artwork is presented as a snapshot or remnant of a larger whole of a graphic music score. An ancient feeling is evident through the patina of layers and textural markings throughout the surface. The art panel is presented as if it was a precious object from the past.

Both Flow Adagio and Flow Andante were created to be subtle and restrained. The narrow panel was intended to live within the space rather than shout its presence. I didn’t want to pile too much in too small of a space. Both panels are musical inspired. Both communicate like background mood music. They could exist by themselves horizontally or vertically, or they could be combined to be accompany one on a stroll down the hallway.

The artwork presents as a wall-sized texture field of blue with a strip of concrete. Three different areas of pentimento texture suggest a mash-up of different timelines and past communication. The juxtaposed triptych suggests chronologies of life, work, repair, and the patina and wear of living. Embedded and overlaid over the surface are typography elements suggesting past information of signage. The encaustic medium - beeswax and damar resin - is used as an additive and subtractive medium. Adding and burying some elements. And scraping, excavating and revealing other elements. The artwork suggests a solid construction and information. The evidence of wear on the artwork suggest that there has been changes, repair, and information that has been obscured and lost. The artwork might have had a message for the viewer, and the significance has past, but the structure remains steadfast and has become an object unto itself.

This artwork presents a banner of colour overtop a raggedy-anne quilt like patchwork of soft colours. The top band seems to have been exposed and coming through the background.

I am constantly amazed how a simple message of information can get so confused when it is transported through different people, contexts, languages, cultures - and time. This painting exhibits glimpses of communication. From a distance this painting is a chunk of colour. Upon closer examination we discover slight workings buried under the surface and subtle colour revealing itself. A viewer with their nose close to the surface can identify glimpses of written information. Someone was present here.

Elements appear to be flying around over a surface etched with scientific or geometrical information. The painting presents itself as a flying circus pageant. On close examination the etched elements of science, knowledge and everyday things are quietly evident in the substrate.

Zeppelin and waterdroplet shapes float over the surface. Geometry elements are subtly visible etched into the background substrate. The painting presents itself as a flying circus. Perhaps a Zeppelin parade or a circus, but with the workings of science and knowledge are working quietly in the background.

A texture field that suggests our worldly elements. Imbued in the surface is a seemingly ancient pattern partially revealed through excavation. We live among giants in a delicate balance gently embracing us and giving life.

Rampallion - A ruffian or scoundrel! This painting recalls obscured layers of wallpaper, repair, and partially revealed discovery. A passive scrolling floral pattern is quietly revealed through incidental lighting.

Revealing a past by excavation of the current surface suggests that there is much more depth and history than what meets the eye. In some ways this artwork shows the artist planning their initial strokes and working through the movement of the pattern. The artist’s contemplation of pattern reveals the initial preliminary sketchy stages.

This painting presents as an old wall. Signage has come and gone. Repairs have been made with plaster and paint. Worn through everyday use. What this wall has seen? And if it could speak? History remains. The future can be written.

A wall of texture as if from an ancient cantina.

This piece was built on promises. Everything was once shiny and new and full of expectations. Now, used, old and beaten up. Repaired. Obscured. And then lost. Were the promises true?

One child in every class stands out for one reason or another. Sometimes the whiz kid will rise to the occasion and shine through and champion thinking and thought. Or sometimes they will falter and fail. A tribute to trying.