Artist Statement
Scientific illustration, my original career choice, blended my interests of art and science. Though traditional media was my starting point, the computer came along and pushed my creativity into the digital realm. Missing the feel of a paintbrush in my hand and the joy of watching a blank, white surface transform into a recognizable image, I returned to my artistic roots in 2010 via acrylic painting.
Much of my inspiration arises from the everyday environment: commonplace objects like a flower, the shadow on a building, or an edible from a local bakery, which gain importance when treated as a focal point. These are the little pleasures in life that can create a beautiful landscape in one's everyday experience and sustain body and spirit. Finding significance in that which is often ignored or taken for granted is my way of encouraging the viewer to see anew, as if for the first time.
Along with the "ordinary" subjects I enjoy the richness of historical and cultural icons in the San Francisco Bay Area. The Golden Gate Bridge, Transamerica pyramid, Coit Tower, Fort Point, and other well-known destinations are enticing painting subjects too.
Follow the links here to read more about these groups of paintings:
• Shadows & Silhouettes
• To Be
• Mother & Daughter (A collaboration with my mother, Charlotte Cook-Fuller)