My paintings and sculptures bridge ancient and modern sensibilities. The subjects are often classical figures and portraits, but my use of materials is pure expressionism. I am most comfortable working in large scale. It is a great format for viewers to “step into” and experience. My approach to my work includes both tradition and intuition. I pay careful attention to proportions, values, scale, and especially contrast. I begin by capturing my subject in a representational fashion. Once this foundation is made I then switch to a more contemporary mindset. I begin to view the painting more abstractly focusing on form and surface. Design and linear elements, colors, metals, and patinas begin to work into the piece and often completely cover the substructure. I tend to experiment with various media like tar, metallic latex, and even resin. I view my work upside down or view them through a mirror to find harmony in the mix. This phase is rather spontaneous and intuitive. Some of my work comes together quickly while others evade me for months even years. There is a close relation between how I work and the way I live. My worldview is grounded in reality, guiding principles and what I believe to be true. If I live or paint by only what I can see or understand there is no room for invention. At the same time, the freedom and joy of exploring new potentials, if not grounded becomes lost and has no direction. There is a necessary balance between what is real and our freedom to create, interpret and explore within this reality. What really makes my art alive is both embracing this concept and exposing the contrasts.