ARTIST'S STATEMENT I BIOGRAPHY

The theme of “opposites attract” is a fascinating vehicle that has helped drive and shape my work for many years. I’ve always found it provides abundant scope for artistic problem-solving, both perceptually and conceptually.

Perceptually, I have explored many picture-making tools with this theme. The opposing elements generally work both for and against each other, with an overall “frisson” to draw in the viewer. Thus, tools such as value contrasts, complementary colour and contrasts of line, shape, texture, scale and style can all be used in a meaningful way.

Conceptually, attractive opposites are an interesting way to bring together ideas about various degrees of orderliness and disarray. For example, new roads push through untouched countryside, a calm landscape is threatened by chaotic conflict, or small figures go on with their private lives in an open and maybe even dangerous public place.   

I draw subject matter from the emotional ties of my personal life, from reading and from the news. The settings are often atmospheric landscapes taken from the westend suburbs of Toronto, from Middle England and from faraway places, both real and imagined.  

My recent work has continued the theme of “opposites attract” with a series of mixed media paintings. These probe the opposing relationships set up when defensive walls are built in disorganized situations.

I invite you to browse through my work in the galleries found on this site, or view them in person at an upcoming exhibition as indicated under the heading, ‘Upcoming Exhibitions’.