| Afterlife Series
Artist Statement In the early 90s, after a seven year hiatus from painting, I decided to revisit the inspiration that had distinguished my early work, the "rippings" of the 70s, but I altered the look by ripping and reassembling completed paintings. The "Afterlife" work merges precise geometric elements with looser paint application and is less dependant on the ripped factor. Lately I've been using acrylic paint exclusively because I like the fact that it's quick-drying. I also like the effects I can achieve with it. I usually listen to the progressive jazz of the mid-century (Davis, Monk, Coltrane, etc.) as I work; the free association of the music seems to inspire a similar approach to paint application. I work on a horizontal surface and sometimes use painter's tape to mask off pre-determined areas. Color choice is always an important aspect and one that is rather intuitive at this point. The title "Afterlife" refers somewhat sarcastically to the premature death of painting but more importantly to the possibilities of rebirth, inspired by an awareness that a better life (what most people refer to as heaven) awaits us all sooner or later. |