I live in a rural area in Northeast Wisconsin. All around me are small family farms, large cherry and apple orchards and horse ranches. These are some of the things that influence my work.

I often choose the cow as a vessel for expression. As a ubiquitous creature of this landscape, the cow continually provides me with visual prompting. I am drawn to the animal's geometry, it's angular anatomy and it's close cut coat which reveals this form. I am particularly attracted to the Holstein breed with it's black and white markings that present suggestive possibilities not unlike that of a Rorschach ink blot. The kind and curious soul that rests within the cow offers me tremendous anthropomorphic opportunity. This is especially true when presented in a herd or small grouping. There seems to be an expressive under current, that is exhibited either passively or overtly, in how the animals relate to one another that suggests a human quality.

It is said that a painting is a snap shot, a frozen moment. In my Still Life painting practice this is especially true. Impetus is taken from serendipitous views of objects seen either individually or as a group in my home, on my property, or in my travels through my community. I am drawn to objects that exhibit a degree of imperfection. Leaning, tilting. Erratic surface markings. As time passes, I appreciate this quality more and more.