Convictions with foundations

Lately, I have been asked:

Why do I paint the way I do?

It has made me think about what lies at the foundation of my reasons. Do I have a reason I tend to use collage? What draws me to text? Do I have an opinion or conviction for my method? Thinking on this....my answer is "YES!" I have reasons! Realizing this gives me great relief...... (smile, giggle). Things along the way have influenced me subconsciously and appeared on canvas years later.

I have always enjoyed writing, not just the actual handwriting of a person, but text, letters, symbols, fonts. I grew up doodling names in block letters of different shapes and sizes. In painting, I love being able to get close and study the texture and have the secret of a letter or word hidden just under the surface peeking out. I find textures and patterns interesting background. Interesting text and textures cause me to take a closer look to see what secrets lie in plain sight. Mixed media continues to hold my interest simply for the fact that anything can find it’s way onto the canvas. I wish I could remember the artwork I saw as a little girl that used the mixed media technique but I do remember finding small words written in typeface in the background. It was so unusual to me that it made an impression on me that lingers and effects my work now.

Simply put....."Why do I paint the way I do?" because it makes me HAPPY!!

Happy, Happy, Smile, Smile......grin. It's F...U...N...!