I was born and raised in Toronto, and educated at University of Toronto ( B.A. and B.Ed ).
I have not always been an artist. It was only after many years as a financial advisor that I had an invitation to attend a weekend art workshop. Although I knew nothing at all about art and had never done any art, I did enjoy the workshop and it became a tipping point in my life. I decided soon after the workshop to take an early retirement and go to art school full-time. I became an artist by chance but I stay an artist by choice.
I look at all paintings as a conversation between the viewer and the art, and stopping in front of a work of art can trigger many thoughts, responses, and memories. It can also provide a moment of contemplation and connection, an opportunity to "be with" the painting and let it speak to you.
Statement
Colour is my morning coffee! It wakes me up and it energizes me. (Although I do still love a great cup of coffee!)
I am primarily an abstract painter and my current body of work has a floral motif. The works are mostly oil on wood panel, 30" x 30".
I start every painting session with one question: “What colours do I want to play with today?” And I proceed from there without specifically planning the painting in advance. The floral theme evolves as the painting progresses. I use both traditional and non-traditional tools when painting.
When I am painting, time seems altered and hours can pass by in what seems like only a few minutes. The process of applying paint to canvas or board in an abstract way leads the imagination of the viewer and of the creator to a very personalized interpretation of what the painting is about.