LOW BROW - POP SURREALISM PAINTINGS

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This body of work began in 2008 and continues,  exemplifying a serendipitous journey through the act of painting. The canvas and panels serve as a  open stage where the unpredictable is encouraged to manifest. The act of painting is seen as an improv, where objects, colors, and characters can come into being and relate in unforeseen ways, not unlike a dream. These works have many influences, two major ones being Abstract Theater and the other “Process Painting”.

My theatrical works, with its strong psychological and surreal subject matter, seems to have primed the canvases of these new works. In fact, some of the pieces are directly from characters developed for stage. Masks, puppetry, odd props and surreal costumes demand the spotlight and serve as starting points for new paintings. I have learned not to get in the way as images morph before my eyes, like a dream. 

This ‘Allowing’ is similar to the teachings of Michele Cassou (Zero-Point Painting) and Stewart Cubley (Process Painting). Through their guidance I was given the freedom to paint without the restraints of product, meaning, and control. There I learned to keep the brush moving without having judgement stand in the way. There are moments where I find myself saying, “I am uncomfortable and do not want to paint that”. Those are times to honor that strong image/ feeling tone by painting it, even if it means ruining the piece. Many of these Process Painting images have found their way into this new series.

We live in a world of feelings, things and relationships. Where the next inspiration will come, be it internal or external, is unpredictable. Characters or situations can be birthed in my notebooks of swirling doodles created in the early waking states, or through an image seen on the internet. If an image holds energy it might find its way into a painting, and once there, it will probably transform into something even more spectacular. This sort of journey requires one to ‘sit loosely in the saddle’, otherwise it will buck ya right off the horse. Enjoy the ride.

Enjoy