The In Between, 2023

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The In Between, 2023

The In Between: A Celebration of the Unoccupied emphasizes the importance of negative space and draws attention to the balance and movement it creates.

The empty or unoccupied areas around and between objects can be just as powerful as the objects themselves, and I strive to use negative space in my work to amplify a sense of balance and movement within a piece. Through use of nature and negative space, I aim to capture the essence of our natural world and the ways in which it shapes our understanding of ourselves and our place within it. Leaning into negative space has forced me to see the positive around me. Art has the power to transport us, and it is my goal to create atmospheric work that allows others to experience the beauty and wonder of the natural world, while also raising awareness about the urgent need to protect it.

“In The Weeds”

2023
48 in x 48in, oil, acrylic, ink and graphite on canvas
Three long-legged Queen Anne’s lace rest on the left side of this large-scale neutral painting as they slowly turn to seed so as to start life once again. They sit within a field of high grass protected from fertilization and outside developments. Free range and among other natural weeds, they live as a host plant for the eastern black swallowtail caterpillars, many butterflies, adult bees and other beneficial insects that utilize the flower’s nectar to flourish and give back life and color to our natural surroundings.

“Drift Away”

2023
48 in x 48in, Oil, acrylic, ink and graphite on canvas
A dandelion separated from ginkgo leaves among a cloud-like setting of browns, ochers and other earth tones.The dandelion acts as a sun clock which falls in line with my fascination of time. Weeds are usually unwanted yet the dandelion provides nutrients and with its homeopathic qualities surpasses all negativity of the wild flower. Ginkgo is one of the oldest living tree species in the world. It’s the sole survivor of an ancient group of trees that date back to before dinosaurs roamed the Earth – creatures that lived between 245 and 66 million years ago. It’s so ancient, the species is known as a ‘living fossil’.

“Fall From Here”

2023
30 in x 60in, Oil, acrylic, ink and graphite on canvas
Dried beech leaves dangle from branches above among moss and clue tones on a vertical canvas. The negative space between the dying and renewal of life below emerges into one piece. The cycle of life and the reminder that in death, beautiful things are born.

“Inverted World II”

2023
36in x 36in Oil, acrylic, and ink on tondo (round) canvas
The Magnolia tree symbolizes luck and stability. Its bloom is a staple in Southern gardens and delights people with its flowers in the early to mid-spring. Many of its parts are used in traditional folk medicine. The extract of the bark of Magnolia trees have been used for some 1,000 years in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine for treatment of maladies ranging from asthma to depression to headaches to muscle pain. Of late, studies are showing that warmer temperatures and longer growing seasons, brought on by climate change, are causing the iconic Southern Magnolia to migrate north.

“The In Between”

2023
34 in x 46in, Oil, acrylic, ink and graphite on canvas
A large magnolia anchors the work and flocks of birds swoop above within a neutral palette of golds, browns with a touch of red oxide. Again, the excitement lies in the in between, the negative space and the unknown of what’s to come.