Artwork An Introduction To My Process

Embracing Technology

With the advent of digital technology, the computer has revolutionized not only our culture, but also art as well. For myself, only after utilizing the computer as an integral part of my creative process did my artistic expression evolve to a whole new level. Yet, my artistic expression remains firmly grounded in the principles of traditional art because of my former experience with sculpture, drawing, painting and printmaking.

Expanding Creative Expression

A change in tool or method corresponds to a change in the artistic expression. I have found that I am able to give a fuller expression to what I want to convey. The ability to merge photographs, line art, and text adds to the multi-level meaning of my pieces. As the computer programs advance, creative spontaneity increases. The many possibilities and greater flexibility of digital technology have given a new vitality to my creative process. I believe we are at the threshold of an important shift so that visual language can communicate more deeply and impact the psyche and spirit more greatly. I feel this is true in my art. An example is the piece called "Shadow." This piece in the Inspirational Themes Series would have been very difficult or impossible to create by traditional methods alone. And, upon examination, I feel it cuts to psychic levels, not otherwise possible.

Valuing Traditional Methods

Some art prints are totally digital from start to finish. Other prints are a mixture of both traditional and digital methods. My greatest satisfaction comes from the use of both methods, which yields a wide range of possibilities of expression. In addition, including traditional methods with the digital allows me to access the kinetic involvement and the sensual experience, which is an integral part of traditional art. Also, if I am interested in a particular appearance, it is sometimes easier and faster to do the drawing or painting by hand, and then scan it. The scanned artwork serves as a base for further elements to be added and manipulated using various programs.

Achieving "Pictorial Density"

Whatever the process, I'm interested in achieving what I call "pictorial density." Pictorial density is the illusion of layering color, texture and form, and is an essential part of my artistic expression. These layers, both visually and technically, facilitate the depth of expression I'm seeking in my art. Often, each layer has a specific symbolic meaning. The use of both traditional and digital methods creates a wide range of possibilities giving rise to artistic expression, otherwise difficult to achieve. For me, this process opens the door to multiple levels of meaning in which color and form combined with symbolism touch the psychic spirit and inner workings of the human heart.