I’ve been preoccupied with the contradictory nature of my work as of late. Contradiction in the formal elements–line, color and shapes—is where I feel the notion of rhythm is present. I think of these pieces as abstract landscapes, with serious narrative considerations that belie the playfulness of the formalist elements.

Rhythm is a requisite element to my creative process. While working, I am in a state of conscious no-mind—one in which most thoughts exit the scene and an intuitive state takes over. Decisions come from this inner place almost instinctively. I keep an inner dialogue with the painting as I work, creating a story between the elements, which I hope is visible to the viewer.

It has been said that the painter’s goal is to capture a time, a feeling, or a place, and freeze it. However, rhythm necessarily suggests movement. So the great challenge for the artist is to create this movement with a grouping of elements that do not move.

1. Methuselah’s Shimmy, 2012. Acrylic on canvas 26″ X 53″ ( 66 cm x 134 cm)

2. Proposal for New Prison Uniforms at Maricopa County Jailhouse, 2012. Acrylic on canvas 54” X 74” (137 cm x 188 cm).

3. Truth Mirror, 2012. Acrylic on canvas 23.5” X 43” (60 cm x 109 cm).

4. Year of the (suburban) Dragon, 2012. Acrylic on canvas, 20” X 42.5” (51 cm x 108 cm).

5. Family Portrait (after an unusually emotional dinner), 2012. Acrylic and oil on canvas, 66” X 96” (168 cm x 244 cm)