The discovery of my technique “Painting with Both Sides of the Paint” grew out of my desire to truly “own something” as an artist. I discovered my technique one day when the corner of dry paint on my waxed paper disposable palette peeled up. When I peeled it off it revealed underlying gestural patterns previously hidden from the artist. It had a life and spontaneity I’d never seen before…something that felt human but freed of any doubt or hesitation. After many experiments I found that I could paint on clear cellophane, and when I glued it to the canvas the film would peel off, revealing the hidden side of the paint. A squeegee is my only tool. Plus if I liked what I was also doing on the visible surface, I could lay a piece of clear film on the wet paint and capture that image too..thus using “both sides of the paint”.

By stretching the boundaries of artistic conventions such as illusionistic depth, distinct figure and ground, I am able to bend the paint the way a musician bends a note. There’s a dynamic tension between illusionary power and the sheer physicality of the paint. Much of the process is just looking like finding animals in the clouds and Jesus in the toast, but ultimately taps into my many unconscious narratives. Prior to discovering this technique, I always knew where a piece would end up. Now I trust, push and cajole to end up with more of a poetic approximation.

This groundbreaking work has been shown in museums (ArtisNaples, Boca Museum of Art, Alexandria Museum) and galleries throughout the United States.