Artist Statement
These paintings start with photos of trees taken with a moving camera aimed almost directly into the sun. The resulting images are abstract—leaves and patches of light become lines. Branches may become thicker or thinner. The photo is printed onto canvas, and I continue with oil paint, adding color and texture.
I grew up in Northern California. Our mixed coastal forests of oaks, bays and redwoods are at great risk. On my walks I see more damage from drought year by year. The U.S. Forest Service estimates that 36 million trees in California have died in the past six months. We are losing our forests. Although my work is not overtly political, it has become a way to record the trees in our parks and other open spaces. I hope to remind people of the importance of our natural spaces. We live our lives largely inside buildings. I hope the paintings take us outside for a few moments.
I grew up in Northern California. Our mixed coastal forests of oaks, bays and redwoods are at great risk. On my walks I see more damage from drought year by year. The U.S. Forest Service estimates that 36 million trees in California have died in the past six months. We are losing our forests. Although my work is not overtly political, it has become a way to record the trees in our parks and other open spaces. I hope to remind people of the importance of our natural spaces. We live our lives largely inside buildings. I hope the paintings take us outside for a few moments.
