Primary studio work is abstract, gestural painting – influenced by calligraphy, the 'no-mind' Zen brush painting method, psychotherapy and emotional release techniques. Blending these modalities fuel a technique of action painting as oversized brushes and large mops maneuver high polymer acrylics, enamel and/or Sumi ink across un-stretched canvas.

Current work…

a series of oversized, calligraphic ink markings on raw linen (un-stretched with random applications of double primed/sanded sections) and a second series of Enso Circle, metal sculpture designs. Enso, Japanese word meaning circle, was adopted for the brush circle form in my painting and sculpture work after researching artisans that worked with the circle image throughout history. Feeling an immediate, visceral connection or kinship with the purpose and usage of the Enso symbol by monks and Japanese calligraphers, I too, use the circle with intention as a tool to loosen the hand, arm and body for gestural painting. Yet, some of the circle forms in the paintings emerge in a flash of spontaneous gestural movement as unintentional and mindless, as breathing. 

Recent work on canvas…

2012 is a notable year that produced a body of work entitled 'Broken Circle.’ Explorations with the color orange alongside fragments of circles using the non-dominant hand, produced an unusual cadence of calligraphic markings, drips and crooked circles – unlike my dominant hand of melodic and rhythmic brush movements. Maturity in my painting style became clear during this period on several levels; emotionally, spiritually and mentally – as the long awaited arrival for the work to evolve had finally given birth to a honed skill in layering Sumi ink and acrylics via wet on wet, watercolor application techniques.

The painting work is created in the same intent today as the first gesture of flying ink across the studio floor in 1989 – to express raw emotion via spontaneous creativity without analytical prodding (ie: 'no-mind'.) Though thoughtful examination of creating work is enjoyed, stepping out of critical thinking is life sustaining to my process. Feel 1st, think 2nd. The sculpture work is contrary as some if not all design and structure logistics are thought through and formulated, long before an emotional connection manifests.

Whether painting or maquette building – studio work is ultimately reacquainted with the calligraphic letterform. .

Studio visits welcome by appointment.

 – 2013

* Zen Brush Painting  

... also called “no-mind’ painting, is an ancient art form that was practiced daily by 16h Century Zen Monks of Japan and continues to present day, as an aid to meditation and calligraphic studies. The style of the brushwork, unlike that of almost all other religious art, is dramatically bold, seemingly impetuous, and bluntly immediate in effect.

. . . a state of “no-mind” -  a state beyond thought, emotions, and expectations.  Stephen Addiss / The Art of Zen

“We like the energy and intelligence in her work, her sense of color and rhythm.”

    – Henk & Yumi Hoppener, Tensho Gallery, Vancouver BC