I just received notice that my work has been selected to be in "Lumina" held at the Greene County Council on the Arts in Catskill NY.  This is a Juried show, so I'm excited because I am one of the artists chosen from all the entries to be in the show.  

On January 15th- some of my work was included in a group show called "Here in Body" a one night show at 137 Schenectady.  Opening the same night i was included in a show titled "Off the Picture Plane" held in the Albany International Room in Proctor's Theater also in Schenectady, NY and will be up until the 14th of February.

Happy New Year everyone.  I'm starting my new year by showing new work to the public.  I hope you can come out to see them.My work can be seen at the following venues...

My mandalas will be featured in a Brand New Hotspot called Alchemy.  It’s located in Woodstock, NY next to the Bearsville Theater and the famed Utopia recording studios.  I invite everyone to check out this place, it’s got performances, open mic nites for music and poetry, great coffee, healthy food, and of course - art.  Alchemy of Woodstock, founded by Stephanie Izarek and Nick Martin, is located at 297 Tinker Street, Woodstock, NY (in the Bearsville Theater complex).”  845-684-5068   http://www.alchemyofwoodstock.com

“Alchemy, is part coffeehouse, bookstore, music venue, and art gallery. True to the deepest meaning of the word alchemy –the magical process of transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary –the new cafe will serve as a space for the Woodstock community to celebrate the spirit of creativity and self-expression. Customers will experience a true coffeehouse with Alchemy’s exceptional coffee, affordable comfort food, live acoustic music, handpicked books, the work of local artists, free WiFi, and the free exchange of ideas.

Our goal is for Alchemy to serve as a fun and vibrant gathering place for local residents and tourists alike—a space that encourages creativity, community, consciousness, the exploration of diverse ideas, and generally, the pursuit of living the best life possible. We are here to embrace and build on the magical, creative energy that has come to define Woodstock.”

  Alchemy is a member of the American Booksellers Association, a trade organization representing independently owned bookstores nationwide.

Artist Statement

I create mandalas and combine that with the less structured aspects of abstraction.  Historically, mandalas have been created in various forms for thousands of years by cultures around the world (for example the Tibetan monks still make them out of sand).  There have been many definitions for what a mandala “is”.  Personally, I refer to these circular images as windows into the soul, where work comes spontaneously from thoughts and emotion, and is expressed through abstract gestures.  I work from my innermost feelings, thoughts, and memories

In creating my mandalas I work primarily in two mediums - paint (usually watercolor) and digital manipulation or compilation.  No matter what the medium is there are always some basic thoughts and overlaying features: pattern, abstraction, and transparent layering.  I never work from a preconceived notion of what the final appearance will or should be. Working with many layers, they build up over time to create the illusion of depth.  By utilizing both conventional and unconventional tools I allow unexpected patterns to emerge.  These controlled accidents are instinctively driven, rather than consciously decided, to ultimately create a dialogue between myself, the artwork, and the viewer.  

There are some differences between mediums...

Digital Mandalas:  Almost always I use photographs that I have personally taken.  Regardless of the subject matter of the initial photograph, by the time the work evolves to completion, there is still that sensory ghost of the original image.  Leaving the viewer curious about what the original subject was, or if they know or have figured it out there is still wonder in what one is looking at.  These digital paintings often take up to or exceed 10 layers till I reach a final piece.  In the most recent pieces I have also been incorporating my watercolor mandalas which adds an imperfect element to the image.

Painting Mandalas:  Unlike most watercolor paintings, my paintings are made with complete disregard to the thickness or thinness of each layer, the color, and allowing them to build up sometimes exceeding 100 layers.  There are also times that I paint on old book pages and in doing so the original text becomes obscured in places and reveled in others.  

One will often find that the titles I use do not guide people to a so called correct “answer” or direct you on how you are supposed to feel or see.  This is absolutely intentional, for although each one means something to me, part of my work is in the unique experience individual has.  There is no right or wrong response.  I find it fascinating that every individual has a unique experience when looking at my work because we are all affected by color and pattern differently. 

My intention and desire in the end is to evoke the feelings, thoughts, questions.

I will be participating again at Art on Lark in Albany, NY.

Saturday 6 June 2009.  10am - 5pm.

I have just agreed to participate in this year's Trashion event.  This time I will be a featured de3signer and am working on more of my movie film clothing pieces.  I hope you'll join me there.

April 26th 2009.  Troy, NY.

This site will soon be a part of http://artdesy.com which is an art directory. Check it out.