Statement

In each of my paintings, a minimal grouping of forms is situated within a field of bands of atmospheric color. Emerging out of or disappearing into the field, the gestaltic formations—like impossible celestial systems, strange microscopic or atomic structures, poised athletic positionings, military insignias, light-studded aircraft, or budding botanical entities—are near-symmetrical and centrally located. Then, bands of color construct, define, and energize the space and the formation. Depending on their repetition or isolation, spacing, width, clarity, color, value, and angle, these bands may make up atmospheric expanses or patterned grounds, appear like piercing beams of light, or function as graphic stripes. The ensuing interplay between the bands and the emblem-like formations places the paintings in conversation with formats of visual identity like flags, heraldry, sports team branding, and fashion. But as they rely on atmosphere and luminance, they possess an intimate, ghostly presence. Emphasizing this quality, each is titled with a human name, christening them with a unique, approachable identity and suggesting a kinship between them.