BIO
After having been a figurative painter for several years a major change in my life pushed me toward becoming an abstract painter: my son was born. It’s true, what they say, “Having a child will change your life”. My son acts as a mirror, reflecting back what my values are, reminding me of the complexities of my own childhood, and the importance of having fun. I’ve used these new insights to help me be in the moment when I am creating and to attempt to be fearless of the unknown each time I start a new painting.
I have been doing abstract work for about two years now. I find this style of art making to be the most rewarding because of its ability to challenge my problem solving skills while continually surprising me with the outcome of each painting.
Traditional and non-traditional materials are used by me to create process oriented, intuitive works. They reflect my interest in nature, music, myths and childhood. Although these abstracts are not-representational, biomorphic forms and landscape-like fields often materialize in the finished pieces allowing for an imagined narrative.
Working in the abstract is a direct means for me to explore emotions surrounding thoughts and memories. For example: when emotions bubble up from my subconscious about my grandmother, growing up in small country towns, Grenada (where I was born), or motherhood I allow them to surface in the mood of a piece through the use of certain colors, forms, or textures.
Layers are built with a variety of media helping to create a playful yet complex assortment of imagery. Color fields and warbled shapes take part in a fluid dance alternating between active and static. The shapes are unconscious, personal symbols. At the same time, I believe there is a universal language used in the abstract format that can be interpreted by those who look inward and reflect on the emotions resulting from the simple act of being human and being part of our society.