Welcome to my gallery!

People often ask why I paint what I do, and what my work means. Essentially my work is about FREEDOM - the freedom of clarity, of calm quiet moments in which the soul can just BREATHE and enjoy BEING.

Freedom has been the overwhelming theme of my life – in childhood, freedom from cloying poverty and violence - in adulthood, freedom from a disappointing marriage and the emotional turmoil and chaos of raising autistic children. I longed for, needed, and dreamt of finding a quiet place in which no one needed me for anything and no one suffered when I failed. I longed for a place where I could find solace in simple, silent beauty.

The ancient Asian art forms of sumi-e (literally ink painting) and brush painting embody that silent serenity which can only be found at the calm center of one’s being.  Grace  is to be found in the long sensuous brush strokes, elegance in the subtle handling of pale color overlaid on the silent and enduring strength of simple black lines.

According to Asian tradition, sumi-e ink captures the spirit and energy of the artist, carrying the artist’s intentions throughout time. Recent research supports this, showing that the electrons of ink even in very aged paintings show unusual alignments, which appear to reflect and impact the overall sensations the paintings provoke. The electrons, it is believed, are activated during the process the artist uses to prepare the ink, which involves slowly and mindfully grinding the ink stick, made of dried soot, against a smoothed stone, and adding tiny amounts of water until the correct consistency and color is achieved. The artists’ emotions are transferred to the ink and become a permanent part of the painting.

If this is so, than my intentions, and part of my very spirit, lies in each painting. My intention is to create in each composition that place of wonder in which the mind and soul breathe freely. I wish to bring to life the worlds from my imagination, in which there is not a hint of conflict, anger, self-doubt or fear. When you look at my paintings, I hope you will feel the relaxed serenity of that intention, and as you draw closer to look at the details, I hope you find delight in the playfulness of the brush strokes, and feel yourself falling forward into my peaceful little world, where you too can find solace in simple, silent beauty.

To honor the simplicity of this ancient art form, and to keep its energy pure and serene,  I use only all natural, traditional materials, such as Xuan (rice) or Mulberry papers, ink sticks made of soot, prepared as they have been for thousands of years, and traditional water colors made from plants and minerals, imported from China and Japan. These natural materials are so enduring that the works of the Masters have survived for many centuries. I hope my images can bring pleasure to you and your family for generations.