There is magic in the act of creating a drawing or painting. Where there was nothing, now there is something—beauty has been manifested, an object of the physical world, or perhaps from our own imagination, has been documented through our unique way of seeing and experiencing life and all that surrounds us. It is this simple act of magic that keeps me coming back to my creative practice again and again with fresh eyes, new wonderment and praise.

Wildflowers I—July, watercolor, 6¾ x 10¾" (17 x 27 cm)  Over the years I have created many paintings like this, an homage to the ephemeral nature of the living things I discover during my walks through the fields. These are, to me, visual poems, capturing a moment in time. I do not draw the subjects but simply arrange them on a separate piece of watercolor paper in a pleasing way, and then paint them alla prima, shadows and all, one by one across the page. It is a good exercise in seeing and always teaches me something about shape, color and value, and about nature.

 

Magnolia, watercolor, 6½ x 41⁄3" (16 x 10 cm)

 

I choose to use materials that come directly from the earth: graphite, carbon and charcoal, and watercolor paints that were created by hand using earth minerals, clays and gemstones. I feel that these special tools, handmade paints, handmade papers and artisan brushes add another layer of meaning to my work, and certainly make the process of creating my work more sacred.

Peony III, watercolor, 6¾ x 4½" (17 x 11 cm)

 

Treasure III, watercolor, 10¼ x 7½" (26 x 19 cm)

 

My subjects are found in the quiet moments of my everyday life. I paint what I know in order to know it more intimately. I am deeply influenced by Japanese aesthetics, and especially the quality of shibui, a concept that is inadequately defined in English as understated elegance. Some qualities that I believe depict it more carefully are simplicity, subtlety, unobtrusiveness, everydayness, a balance of simplicity and complexity, naturalness, imperfection and quietness. I hold these qualities in my mind, body and spirit each time I sit down to work. What I hope for are drawings and paintings with a poetry of presence, making ordinary objects and scenes extraordinary.  —