"Home with a View"

Title: The Poignant Narrative of Homes Against Nature: A Reflection in Paintings

As I traversed the rugged roads of Iceland, I couldn't help but marvel at the homes and farmsteads nestled precariously at the foot of steep slopes. The sight sparked a profound contemplation, imagining the looming threat of a massive landslide engulfing these humble abodes. This visual encounter, coupled with my years spent along the California coast, where houses succumbed to the relentless erosion of the Pacific Ocean, became the poignant narrative behind my recent series of paintings.

The juxtaposition of human dwellings against the backdrop of formidable natural forces served as the muse for my artistic expression. I sought to capture the delicate balance between the resilience of human ambition and the unstoppable power of nature alongside the tension between stability and collapse, inviting viewers to ponder the fragility of human constructions in the face of the ever-changing landscape.

In my paintings, houses stand in solitary defiance against the fierce elements, symbolizing the indomitable spirit of human perseverance. Yet, they also serve as poignant reminders of our vulnerability to the whims of nature. The imagery of homes perched on the edge of cliffs evokes both awe and trepidation, prompting viewers to reflect on the intricate relationship between humanity and the environment.

Recent news of two palatial homes along the California coast being threatened, yet miraculously spared, further reinforces the themes woven into this series. Through my paintings, I invite viewers to embark on a journey of introspection, exploring themes of resilience, adaptation, and the inexorable passage of time. May we find solace in the enduring spirit of humanity while humbly acknowledging our place within the greater tapestry of nature.

Overviewing. acrylic on wood panel. 44x32x2”. Paintings - Structure of Landscape

The beginnings of my Fascination with Geology

Trekking in the Andes of Peru.

I was completely awe-struck and brought to tears.

An arduous, breathtaking trek at 14000 ft across the Andes above the sacred valley of Peru several years ago, radically changed my direction for art practice. A group of us spent 10 days hiking across a dramatic mountainous landscape. Some of the highest peaks were over 20,000 ft. High altitude sickness was an issue for some, chewing coca leaves helped keep it at bay. In those 10 days of walking, sleeping, breathing high altitude air, power felt from the rock underneath me gave me transparency between earth and sky.

A profound experience that then led me to Iceland, seeking a residency that would bring me closer to connecting my curiosity about the geology of wild untamed places. I don’t know exactly where the work is going but I’m with it.

Camping at 14.000 ft above The Sacred Valley, Peru.

Studio notes

Continue this next painting 35x48x2"

Enjoying this and have reached a complete stage. The best is if I can just keep going and flush out this idea of architecture/building in remote places/ impact/consequences. As I keep painting i pose these questions. My challenge is to keep it simple and simmer it down to a main issue. (This may take several works to flush out this project.

. write a little each day in my idea book, documenting my painting--working and methods and struggles, thoughts and surprises.

I remembered to do twice, something to improve upon.

Take more videos and examine work methods and document Staggered through this one.

Gesso up 6 small linen boards.

Not yet. I needed to feel an outline for this mini series.

Continue on with "priming my morning" daily habit and getting out for an earlier walk or yoga/pilates practice.

Feeling good about this, easier to maintain than I thought. My new habit is to wait to read emails, news etc mid morning with coffee not first thing on waking.

So much better.

A short story

I’m motivated to create imagery and inspired by geological structures and observations. Years ago I dug for crystals in the mountains near Vail, Colorado, USA. I cut turquoise and made extravagant jewellery using rare specimens of the gem. I hand-fabricated metal and stones in my early career as a jeweller. All these achievements and life experiences feed into my art-making now in their various ways.