I am often asked who or what has influenced me as an artist. In answering this question, I have to say that in addition to being innately sensual, I have a strong philosophical and mystical bent. I believe these innate qualities, along with my avid desire to expand my awareness, have guided my art making.
Specifically, I have been influenced by Zen Buddhism and Western Existentialism. The art traditions I like best are African Tribal Art and late 19th century and early 20th century French Painting. I also enjoy Chinese Mountain Painting and Japanese E-kiyo Prints. A few of my favorite artists are Matisse, Vermeer and Magritte. Hans Hoffman’s book Search for the Real has been a major influence.
My influences, however, are not limited to just artists and philosophy. The writings of Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell have had a profound effect on the iconography of my art. Literature as a whole has helped me develop my personal cosmology of art and life. As a matter of fact, all of these influences in concert have led me to develop my cosmology of the act of painting and the art of living.