​​Edge Series

I’m interested in "what happens at the edge" of hard conversations - that place where ideologies collide and one must choose whether to love or to hate, accept or reject, or allow something new to grow.  Edge theory - the origins of life - the alchemy of seemingly competing states that produce new life in the right environment.  While it's fascinating, scientifically, I think the same principles can be applied to communication dynamics.  When we meet each other at the edge, bringing our whole selves and our seemingly competing beliefs, we create new ideas that would never have otherwise come into existence.  Psychologically, edge theory states that when we're in a life-threatening situation, anxiety produces a survival function.  I propose, then, that  we need to keep talking to survive as a culture in turmoil, and that by meeting each other at the edge, we will survive and grow together.  I've been painting semi-abstract and abstract pieces from source photos I've taken of the geothermal phenomena in Yellowstone Park with the goal of examining this communication dynamic by studying the edges, colors, and textures therein.  I believe that we can, and will, find ways to move thoughts and conversations to meaningful places through the consideration of edges, illumination, and texture and the visual representation of conflict, corrosion, compassion, and empathy.  

"Bloom",  36" x 36", Oil on Canvas

"Depth", 24' x 24", Oil on Cradled Panel

"YNP#2", 7" x 5", Acrylic on Cradled Panel