Artist’s Statement

I am motivated by the beauty of nature, especially that which I have experienced first hand. For me this is primarily the forests and lakes of Ontario but also includes other places I have lived such as Japan, France and Italy. Stylistically, I have always been inspired by certain artists from these regions such as the Group of Seven, Van Gogh, Chagall, Klimt, Redon, Degas, Kandinsky, Nolde, Freud and Iskowitz. I am also fascinated with human nature, psychology, technology, metaphysics, history and geopolitics. I believe symbols play an essential role in the human experience and often my artwork incorporates symbols and imagery about these subjects. The art I create tends to be imaginary. The people and places take reference from the real world, but often exist only as I create them, very much like a dream. For me, art is a mirror; good art is a reflection of oneself, and great art reflects something in us all. I think it is easy to do something shocking. It is much harder to do something unique yet beautiful that also reflects the human experience. This is what I hope to accomplish with my art.