Contrasting ideals of contemporary life with views on environmental stewardship and development of natural resources are the primary focus of the paintings I create. Residing on Vancouver Island in a small coastal community whose traditional means of existence is rapidly changing, I witness first hand the environmental issues that greatly divide not only the local community but the nation as well. Conservationism is a factor that slows the development and exploitation of natural resources, while over development puts enormous strain on the environment, destroying the very surroundings that sustain us. It is in these opposing forces of nature versus industry that I find the inspiration for my work.
Drawing upon the ideals of realism, I strive to paint imagery that is both common place and definitive of the area where I live. The most recent work I have created and will continue to do, consists of paintings that are done on site, and in the studio while working from photographs. Local iconography is utilized in all of the work. Agricultural activity, logging equipment, local trees and plants are examples of imagery incorporated in the work. The paintings definitively represent the social and economic aspects of this region. The imagery accentuates both the natural grace of the area and the industrial forces that sustain local economies. By amalgamating contrasting scenery and settings, I strive to create contrived landscapes with instantly recognizable imagery. I add and remove elements from the original scenery to create multiple meanings in the work. For example a clear-cut logging operation is also a rolling meadow by simply removing the leftover stumps and debris. An abandoned mill site easily becomes a scenic backdrop to a quaint water tower and a romantic port is a polluted harbor.
