I’ve always been fascinated by maps. Perhaps because I’m always a little bit lost. Metaphorically, but also... very literally. I simply have no sense of direction. I can still get manage to get lost in my own neighborhood where I’ve lived for years. I’m even disoriented within my own body – clumsy, a bit awkward, and accident-prone.

Rather than let this keep me from exploring the world, I now simply take it as a given that I won’t always arrive by the most direct or logical path. I may trip over my own feet, turn the wrong way, or encounter delays. But then again, I may discover something totally unexpected and amazing along the way.

I apply this same approach to my artistic process. I start with an idea in mind or a reference image, my imagined destination, and I embark on the process of creation. Along the way, I stay open to deviations from the plan. A mark goes astray, colors combine in unexpected ways, and new forms emerge to capture my attention. I follow these little detours to see where they lead the work. 

Sometimes it’s a dead end. 

Make a u-turn. 

Sometimes it inspires an entirely new approach. 

Recalculating... 

Eventually, the painting feels complete. 

You have arrived at your destination.