Artist statement
2007

This body of work draws from ancient Islamic, Christian, and Hebrew illuminated manuscripts. Ancient Liturgical texts use an intricate language of pattern and design to convey information. Evolving from bans against graven images in the three Abrahamic faiths, decorative patterns became symbols, telling stories in abstract form. Yet geometric patterns remain culturally specific, exerting their autonomous identity. Prying shapes free from their context I dissect, interpret, and re-assemble them; discerning and creating parallels in a world that polarizes.

Egg yolks and minerals used as paint generate a tension between modern/ancient. Grinding colors and rolling yolks are acts of repetition and meditation that contrast the speed of present time. Translucent eggs leave intense luminous color on the wood panel. Transforming raw nature into paint creates a visceral, sensual intimacy with dirt, mud, soil, eggs.

Gold leaf in the work helps construct an unreal space. Gold "hums" on the surface, shimmering with light that transcends the flat plane. Gold has represented transcendence in diverse cultures throughout history, in ancient manuscripts revealing the "uncreated" light of heaven.

Through deconstruction/reconstruction of ancient cultural images and materials, I re-examine/re-contextualize my contemporary self, while continuing in a long tradition. My hope is that these paintings, in some small way, thoughtfully create a sense of mystery, beauty and grace.