“As a realist painter I attempt to imbue my work with a meaning and depth that transcends the recognizable objects that inhabit the canvas. I have always been intrigued by the skillful use of simile and metaphor in accomplished writing, with well-placed words, a gifted writer can “paint” compelling imagery more vivid and arresting than a visual representation. My paintings are an endeavor to capture metaphor and simile in this rich, unadulterated form on paper and canvas. Art for me is the act of myth making and storytelling.

“People and animals have always intrigued me as subjects, because they are themselves powerfully symbolic. On a more literal note, I have a great interest in anatomy and mechanical function and each opportunity I have to paint a figure provides an education for how parts fit together and how forms coexist with shadow and light. All my works may not be an exploration into myth and symbol, but 90% will be a study of the human or animal figure.

“The ultimate aim for me as an artist is to communicate with viewers. Having other people find personal meaning in one of my works is a great and humbling compliment and I tend to feel slightly awestruck by the intimacy of the exchange. Creating art is at once a demonstrative and private act and when another human being can take away something from an artist’s personal expression it means that the artist and this individual have had a dialogue. It’s a human exchange that I will never grow tired of.”