What materials do you use?
I paint using oils or pastels. I use pastel on a rough textured purple paper and oil on a purple primed canvas.
What do you love so much about painting?
That’s a loaded question! For a long time, I studied right hand versus left hand and right brain versus left brain. I examined the misconceived understanding that left-handed people are more creative than right-handed people. This led to a lot of fascinating research on creativity and learning disabilities. I suppose that’s what I love so much about it. I am endlessly fascinated by the power and potential of our creative minds.
Does music influence your work?
Yes, a great deal. I use it for everything. I typically listen to upbeat playful music when I paint or write—nothing too fancy or intricate or distracting. I utilize the energy I get from it to keep my lines dancing.
What is your favorite color?
Yellow. It represents optimism and cheerfulness. It’s also the very first color the eyes see. That’s why those vendors wear yellow shirts. It gets your attention.
Why purple?
Purple has many meanings including mystery and wealth. It combines the sexuality and excitement of red with the calm tranquility of blue. I use it to represent imagination and intrigue and the fear of the unknown. Its complimentary color yellow looks the brightest on a purple ground. It is my intention to present an image haunted by fear and optimism. I guess that’s how I interpret my place in this world.
Why architecture and cars?
I studied architecture in college and almost became an architect. I prefer the gesture of a building rather than its engineering. I therefore take fun liberty with its lines and forms. I’ve painted on busy sidewalks and large car shows for years and these subjects help bring the audience into my fairy tale world.
How do you come up with titles?
I like to title my works with playful suggestions that enhance their mystery. I mostly source the words or phrases from songs or poems.
Who are your favorite artists?
BANKSY, Joseph Albers, Chuck Close, Vincent Van Gogh, Tim Burton, Egon Scheile.