Why I Paint Atmosphere Instead of Emotion
In my art practice, I include a study of architectural environments, both ancient and modern, more specifically those intentionally cultivated for the purpose of rejuvenation and restoration like those conceptualized by Frank Lloyd Wright, Richard Neutra, or the ancient Egyptian ruins at Luxor. With a background in Anthropology and museum work, among other things, my desire to paint atmosphere over emotion stems primarily from experience in quiet spaces where what is presented informs emotion, rather than trying to articulate it. Although humans respond to their environments emotionally, I find it difficult to paint what I feel, so instead, I paint what I want to feel.
Today, I’m working in my sketchbooks with acrylic paint and oil pastels. I love the freedom of sketchbook work. It doesn’t need to be finished. For this particular practice, I’m continuing an exploration with textures and layers in an abstracted underwater environment. I released four paintings in my most recent series, Dark Ecology, inspired by life living beyond the reach of easy light and for some reason, I find myself returning to the dark to discover the light.
