Much of my background is in mathematics, science, and technology.  This has given me a mindset for combining in one object different levels of abstraction written in different languages.  Similarly in painting, I have come to combine artistic vocabularies.  I have also studied art history and have a great respect for previous work.  I try to build on these traditions and experiment with new techniques and combinations.

 

A recent series of paintings depict abstractions of various Los Angeles landscapes (I am a native of L.A.).  In these paintings I combine different levels of abstraction and multiple viewpoints with representations of recognizable landmark buildings, freeways, graffiti, etc.  The objective is to capture the essence and feeling of personally familiar Los Angeles locales, without the image being photo-realistic or plein-air.   Part of  my approach toward multiple landscape perspectives is influenced by Wayne Thiebaud and David Hockney.  My aim is to achieve an interesting composition, tension, color, and painterly technique, while still depicting the essence of L.A. landscape.

 

Another series of paintings involves various figures and portraits that I painted in oil on different iridescent metallic backgrounds: gold, stainless steel, silver, etc.  Gold leaf has been used in painting throughout much of art history.  It reflects the light and emits a glow that gives the artwork’s subject an importance and isolation.  My paintings are a contemporary use of reflective materials with a modern composition combining different artistic vocabularies: drawing and painting both abstraction and realistic representation.  The approach allows for alla prima painting that permits me to capture the figure quickly without the aid of any imaging device.  The minimal detail and reflective backgrounds give these paintings their timelessness and feeling of importance.  It emphasizes the individual.