ARTIST STATEMENT

Raised in an extended family of artists, I have always been surrounded by the nuances of line, color and observation. Time spent at my grandparents’ working farm along the Connecticut River in New Hampshire helped cultivate my need to study the horizon line. The ‘long view’ of the river valley was my early geographic center. My work honors my family legacy of both land stewardship and art. Our world moves at an extreme pace and my study of land, water and sky, both vast & detailed, helps me to find balance on a daily basis. Sense of place and personal memory define our individual points of view. ‘Apparent horizon’ is the range of knowledge that defines each individual through personal experience and acute observation.

Studio time is divided between drawing, printmaking & painting. Having lived in the Pacific Northwest for 8 years, my work is still very influenced by the weather and open vistas of that region as well as of the arid American west. An avid fly fisherman, my work is also significantly influenced by the time I spend in both fresh and saltwater environments. Water is our most precious resource and my recent work addresses the study of both arid, wetland and drought ridden habitats. The stark beauty of these habitats often trick us into forgetting the historical chapters of land use over the years. I am acutely aware of our ever growing need for natural resources, whether fresh clean water, mining & extraction, over grazing and unsustainable farming practices, each need eventually disrupting its specific habitat. Ancient geologic events have created our familiar geographies, landforms that offer us beautiful vistas, but are often taken for granted as we explore future ways to extract natural resources. Perhaps I am simply committing views to paper in hopes that we will remember to be good stewards of the land. Our landscape defines us, we know the outline of a particular hill or mountain, we know the contour of the edge of a lake or river that we swim in or walk along, and we know the feel of a familiar stonewall or rocky ridge line. Simply put, we are all part of the landscape. We enjoy it and we take from it, we scar it then try and fix it. My hope is that my work, my simple memories on paper, will help instill the desire to respect and remember what the land continues to share with us in all of its variety, grit and beauty.

My studio practice is as sustainable as possible. Natural resources are essential to us all. I am an ongoing observer and do my best to research my materials, such as where my ink and paper are sourced from. My practice is focused on giving back. I pay it forward each year with print donations to various benefits. I also share a percentage of my sales with chosen non-profits that support various conservation endeavors. Over the years I have also sponsored ‘a day in the print studio’ with a variety of artists who do not have access to a printmaking studio. Those hours together in the ink are always rewarding!