My process involves layers of physical matter and a loose practice of alchemy. To begin, I cover wood with metal sheets. The warmth and history of the wood remains concealed by the luminous metal leaf. After repeated layering of translucent oil glazes and varnish, the metal shines and glimmers through to the surface. Ultimately the refraction of light through wood, metal and oil results in a shifting, internally glowing Sky-Scape. Viewers may perceive movement and see their own reflections cast against clouds that appear to roll amid occasional lightening strikes. The shifting sky-scape illustrates the illusiveness and transience of weather, mood and metaphorically, the nature of human relationships.
This mixture of scientifically explainable atmospheric phenomena, combined with elements of my own imagination, co-exists on the same plane to create fresh perspectives and ask new questions about the nature of experience, reality and perception. I use the Sky-Scape as a stage to explore notions of credibility, emphasizing the space between the real and the unreal. My paintings are intended to gift the viewer with a point of departure for daydreaming, exploration and reflection.
Selected titles are inspired by the sayings of my inspirational and beloved grandparents Columbus Wayne and Hazel Pauline Coleman.