My Layered Life

I’ve moved countries nine times. I adapted to each culture by seeking patterns and relationships to make sense of my new surroundings. Each culture is part of my personality.

I was in the thick of a rising corporate career when I had a health crisis at age 38. The hidden gift was that making art helped to heal my life.

With lots of time but few funds, I walked my dog in the alleys near my house. I painted my first art piece on the glass of old wooden sash windows that I found left for the trash. As my neighbours next abandoned entertainment units, I used the plate glass shelves. Now there are few surfaces that I don’t see as possible art projects.

My Layered Art

The structure of an iceberg is an apt comparison for my art. The surface of my work is the visible pinnacle, built upon many layers of materials, methods, meanings and memories.

My art starts with my experiences and current interests. I add paper, paint, oil pastels and glue to found, discarded or used items full of meanings and memories.

I select a surface to showcase the theme of the work. I sort, prepare and arrange art materials and inert ‘waste’ materials. What began as an economic and practical approach is now a way of reducing the trash I contribute.

I prepare the surface for stability and add base layers of background. When the background has enough density, I add character, definition, and texture. I cut, glue, paint, puncture, shred, sew, stamp, staple, tie, and wire.

When I have enough coherence between the idea and the piece, I build the surface layer. I use acrylic paints, oil pastels, paper and collected objects until the piece feels balanced. I love vibrant colour, complex, geometric surface pattern and texture. I often create side or aerial views, and I am fond of rectangles.

With every piece of art, I work to expand the number of layers and how I combine them.