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ARTIST STATEMENT
RESUMÉ
Artist Statement
In these images of strange or perhaps prehistoric plant forms I try to invoke a sense of the Victorian botanical records but with an edge of magical realism.
The age of discovery with its fascination and curiosity about our world produced a vast library of scientific illustration which was very artistic.
I am intrigued with the concept that some of the life forms catalogued then no longer exist. I wonder about the other specimens which were never catalogued and perhaps perished. Along with these perhaps there were many other species from the Jurassic period, for example, which became extinct along with the dinosaurs. It is plausible they left no fossil record due to their delicate structures.
These plant forms must have been larger and more fantastical than any extant exotic fruits on earth today. In contemplating the fact that these species were irrevocably destroyed by either environmental or evolutionary conditions I am left with wistful nostalgia and fascination for what could have been.
Unlike our Victorian predecessors who were amazed by nature and its vast magnificence we have become jaded caretakers who seek to squeeze every last ounce of monetary gain from its harvest.
The chimpanzee and the monkey have always been seen in a humorous or derisive way, yet, in these paintings I have tried to paint them with a sense of gravitas. They are viewed as similar to us but without the veneer of culture and civility and can therefore become allegories for fundamental human instincts and aspirations. They are actors in the theater of dreams and unknown history.
Dominican College, San Rafael, CA.
1972-74
University of California at Santa Barbara
1974-75
class work at College of Creative Studies
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2008 The Quest Paintings, The National Arts Club, Jan.29, 2008
SELECTED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2001 Illustration commission for novel The Quest by Milbry Polk
1996 commenced painting in oil
1995 Built and designed "Cabanas la Conchita" a small hotel in Mexico
1997 Built and designed a private residence in Mexico
MURAL COMMISSIONS
Private residence of Richard Haldeman, Marin County 1992
Private residence of Ruben and Lisa Blades, Montecito, CA. 1989
Private residence, Rubenstein Estate, Montecito, CA. 1989
Private residence in Hope Ranch, CA. 1988
Set design for Ensemble Theater production of "Cows and Other American Heroes" by David Weiger 1987
Private residence "Palmyra" of Mariel Latourette, Montecito,CA.1987
The Palace Cafe restaurant, Santa Barbara, CA. 1987
CALM HOUSE 1987
Private residence of Robert Gibson, Hollywood, CA. 1985
Mural restoration at Villa Quinta da Palma, Sintra Portugal 1985
Tutti's Restaurant, Santa Barbara, CA. 1984
Private residence of Laura Brooks, Beverly Hills, CA. 1984
Private residence of Norman Lear, Brentwood, CA.1984
Private residence of Adele Wilkie, Montecito, CA. 1984
Private residence of Claudine Calvin, Montecito, CA.1984
Gary Paul retail, Santa Barbara, CA.1985
Private residence of Sylvia Brickley, Montecito. CA. 1983
Commercial art and illustration business 1980-84
illustrations published by Recycled Paper Products