Ghosts of the Forest

The “Ghosts of the Forest”, is a body of work drawn from the birch stands on the farm in Maine where I once lived. Initially I was merely drawn to the textures of the naturally cyclically decomposing trees, spent and returning to their literal roots, but I then became absorbed by the metaphorical properties of such decay. During this process, I found that textures are more than textures...not merely surface decoration, but evidence that richer things lie within. Decay is literally not that, but at once a process which symbolically reveals the many layers and grand depths of the human story. This body of work, for me, perhaps for the first time, became personal work.

When Feathers Appear

“When Feathers Appear”, the studies in graphite, began with the beckoning sound of birdsong. Usually in the woods, frequently by the shore, birdsong filled the air. It became the soundtrack of my life, it would seem. I was aware and I appreciated all that was before me. One day, life changed for me, as it does for everyone. After experiencing profound loss, I rarely heard or even enjoyed the birdsong. I began to look down; I began to wrap myself in thoughts of all that I had lost. Still wandering in the woods, still finding myself by the shoreline, I eventually began to see , and I began to look for signs, signs of forward thinking, signs of hope.

And feathers appeared before me...hence, my inspiration.

Hope is a thing with feathers
That perches in the soul
And sings the tune without the words
And never stops at all

-Emily Dickinson 1891