These paintings are an investigation of the relationships between me and surrounding objects. I am most interested in these relationships when they create a feeling of sacredness. That is, when they create a reverence for the objects and connections within the painting. By placing myself in this context, I become a symbol in a narrative with a deeper universal meaning. These paintings, in revealing sacred connections, help me create a context for my existence. This is normally a role for religion, which defines our relationship to the world around us by giving our existence a framework and a sense purpose. In a way, I am trying to find religion in my aesthetic, by discovering my relationship to my surroundings and meaning therein.

Since my work is discussing relationships in reality, I believe a realistic, representational painting style strengthens the presentation of these connections. Additionally, the study of representational technique, through color theory, the behavior of light, anatomy, old master techniques, etc., provides me with another level of context to the world around me. While the imagery of my paintings strengthens my understanding of my symbolic relationship to the world, my technical studies strengthen my understanding of our literal, physical existences.