Finding Source

The new collection of paintings "Finding Source," has an aboriginal influence. I was so moved by these automatic linear Aboriginal paintings that I had to see if I could paint in this manner while keeping the feeling of my Louisiana landscape. The challenge was "no judgement" and to remain open in the way that writers might practice automatic writing. I approached the paper and canvas each day with the intention of not judging what my eyes wanted to see and what my hands wanted to do. I just allowed. At first, I didn't understand these works. They were very different for me. I did not know how to relate to them but each day I fell more in love with them. This is the sign of true art for me. My relationship with the piece grows and I desire to see it over and over.

These paintings are songlike with minimal notes, ceremonial and sacred. The brushstrokes are reduced to symbols, symbolic language, calligraphic like cave paintings. They embody the power of the minimal natural landscape upon which one may mediate, admire, contemplate and appreciate on a deeper level. The water has strong serpent-like patterns and lyrical flowing designs. Finding source as a theme echoes epic struggles. The waters are searching as we all are. They speak of cycles, patterns in nature, ancestral behaviors, survival knowledge and clues. The symbolism is specific and universal at the same time.

They are a primordial journey. I journey from one edge to the other filling in the landscape as I go. It is a walkabout.