Fragments of lost worlds, rock materials provide tangible markers of past environmental episodes and hold clues to the evolution of Earth’s endurance and adaptability. As often noted, even the tiniest stone has its own story to tell. How did this rock begin, where did it come from, and what on Earth made it look this way?Answers to these and other questions are only first steps to understanding how those rocks came to be.

The aesthetic qualities of rocks have captured my attention as long as I can recall. In my view there is always a good reason to take a close look at rock materials. Often resembling "hidden landscapes", each rock's one-of-a-kind surface markings hold clues to their creation and place of origin. One can only imagine the combined energy and movement needed to engrave intricate patterning onto a hard stone surface. Experiencing this ongoing "discovery process" brings joy to my eyes each time I portray a rock's unique imagery on canvas.

Presenting a detailed account of a subject's essence remains a clear objective in my painting style and work. Details in their many forms bring surfaces to life and define a subject's resilience and beauty. Each painting involves a delicate balance between realism and abstraction. Realism plays a dominant role in my work through an investment of detail. Yet as in many of my paintings, a presentation of detailed rock segments may acquire symbolic or abstract meanings when no defining references to location and exterior elements are included.

Discovery, analysis, interpretation are key elements for selecting each painting's subject. Choosing the right subject for a painting is utmost considering the hard work needed to produce each painting. Many rock subjects are reviewed before making a final decision. My photographs of rock segments provide a starting point for gathering information. Studying details in each photograph brings me to "the heart of the matter" as I enter a world of hidden lines and shapes within elaborate configurations. After selecting a patterned segment that meets certain criteria, the subject matter is ready to come alive on canvas using multi-layered brushwork. No doubt a new adventure awaits as I proceed to present a subject's challenging contents.

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