the dictionary defines “dichotomy” as “a division into two mutually exclusive, opposed, or contradictory groups – a dichotomy between thought and action.” it occurs to me that we tend to be naturally judgmental, defining the world and our experiences into a binary proposition: good/bad, right/wrong, order/chaos, like/unlike, yin/yang, etc.

the central dichotomy in my work is the relationship between two dominant colors. the variance in these relationships ranges from barely distinguishable to extreme contrast. from serenity and harmony to chaos and hostility.

much of the relationship between the two sides is further defined by the “frontier” where they meet. this can be anything from crisp and sharply defined to practically indistinguishable. the spatial ambiguity created by the painterly variations along this front reveal the layering and evolution of colors on each side and how they can create unexpected connections or complete disruption.

the simple geometric composition provides a rational framework while accidental painterly incidents and the application of color layers offer a contrasting randomness.

the meeting of dominant colors that exist in fields independent of one another, but always adjacent to each other. this can create an emotional atmosphere or mood. that the other dichotomy has to do with. as the work progresses. the process becomes more intuitive and subject to impulse.

much of my work has focussed on the creation of space or depth that can be generated. at one point, geometric shapes imposed on transparent washes of color, provided my work with a sense of depth. as it evolved to this current work, the sense of space has been radically flattened and is now, more often than not, reduced to the depth of a layer of paint.