As a lover of beauty, I'm often in awe of snow-capped peaks, cloud filled skies, trees stretching toward clouds, and light sifting through pines. I've attempted to capture the pristine in nature as photographer for many years. My pathway into painting has been more recent, and it has allowed a blend of appreciation of a place with a personal outlet that feels much more active. I’m able to re-imagine or re-collect the feeling of the place with less concern for accuracy and construct.Painting abstract landscapes inspired by the scenes around Western Montana has been the truest form of therapy I have experienced and the most fulfilling act of creativity I’ve touched.

The aerial images from adventures with my brother Danny, who is a helicopter pilot are a close second. Before we lift off, we remove the passenger door of the helicopter. I hang outside the copter into the turbulence and face my fear and am exhilirated by the adventure as I steady myself for the intended image. As a photographer, I appreciate the pristine aspects of nature along with the disturbing.

The world is full of beauty. It's also saturated with the reality of pain, danger and brokenness. My paintings are born in the midst of this tension, questioning the paradox in which we exist. These images are a visual and emotional exploration. They are part of my own search for meaning and understanding. Each painting was created during a pivotal time in my experience and serves as a marker to remember a lesson of life. I hope you will find hope and comfort in the stories of these artworks as well.