“The aspects of things that are most important for us are hidden because of their simplicity and familiarity.” (Wittgenstein)

Painting from observation is my process for discovery. When I slow down and truly see, something surprising, genuine and truthful is revealed that I would otherwise overlook. Simple still-lifes of objects close at hand can feel intimate or monumental when painted life size. But of all subjects, I find none to be as interesting and rich as the self-portrait. I actually wonder what I look like because I can’t really tell. I can’t directly see my face and all sources are untrustworthy; my appearance is both familiar and foreign. I work with a mirror and watch emotion, light, and time alter what I see without a concern for likeness. I’m interested in dismantling my concept of how I appear so I can just see the moment with all its beauty and uncertainty.