North american art at that time had a high focus on geometric design, minimalism and post-expressionism, so my science, geometry and mathematical pursuits allowed an inclusive cognitive expression to emerge spontaneously in my new found passion of visual art.
In the late winter/spring of 1969, I was accepted into an independent study program at the Whitney Museum of American Art in NYC. This was was the beginning of a creative revolution in my work. I was directly experiencing important works of art and well-established artists.
Having completed my masters degree in painting and sculpture, I was invited to be apart of a collective of printmaking artists selected for the 1970 Venice Biennale. Our group spent the summer in Venice, building a printmaking workshop which served as a collaboration resource for artists from all around the globe.
In 1972 I moved to Vancouver Island, and have been here ever since. In Victoria in the mid-70s I designed and delivered “Art for People,” an art program for special needs schools and for children who never had art programs because they were considered dangerous, disabled or simply weren’t allowed into other art classes.
This led directly to my working for the Attorney General of BC for over a decade as an art teacher and life skills counsellor in a school-based program, New Directions School, for young offenders.
In 1979 I was introduced to meditation and abstract oriental calligraphy. Both of these practices continue to directly inform my daily routine and artistic expression.
During the mid 80s, my work became more introspective, private.
In 2012 I returned to the public realm when I collaborated with local filmmaker Andrew Naysmith on a short film featuring one of my kinetic sculptures.
This, and ongoing collaboration with theatre/film director/producer Graham McDonald, inspired me to have the first public showing of my work since the late 70s.
Philosophical questions about impermanence, multiplicity of view, open accessibility to art and the art experience are qualities and areas of interest and expression.
