I approach painting with a willingness to experiment using a variety of materials and methods to unearth new discoveries. Inspired by organic forms, my beeswax paintings embody the colors, textures, and movement of the natural world. Using wax, oil, and wood, I create atmospheric landscapes that capture the wildly unpredictable elements of nature.
A wheat field blowing in the autumn wind, a lake overflowing under a summer storm; I channel these experiences as I set out to create my work. Both in their content, as well as the physical presence of each piece, I intend for my paintings to echo the sense of alchemy and mystery that one finds when immersed in the great outdoors. Moreover, I'm interested in creating polarities within my work; the contrast between light and dark, the heaviness of the wax and the delicate textures that are created, the conscious decisions that I make while surrendering to the unrestrained nature of this process.
The materials I use while creating a painting are equally as important to the completed work itself. The process of using beeswax is both spontaneous and intentional - often resulting in rhythmic, gestural strokes of color, as well as accidental marks that contribute to the overall composition. The poured wax creates a strong sense of visual movement and, in doing so, becomes the central focus of each painting. Layers of beeswax and oil paint are simultaneously built up and scraped back to create depth and texture. Utilizing palette knives, brushes, and various other tools, the wax is carved, scratched, and incised. I work back and forth between layers, adding and subtracting, until the desired result is achieved.