Over the course of the past twelve years I have been working with computers to develop a new form of painting. My work emphasizes the layering and interweaving of elements, textures and colors to create spatial illusion. Before working with computers, I used pigment, collage and mixed media as my primary means of expression.

Painting in the digital realm allows for a unique kind of layering. By using specialized computer software, I can pull images saved in computer memory through the current surface images, creating a sort of digital pentimento. Here the computer becomes a means of flattening time (the 4th dimension).

The content of my work involves a personal mythology based on memories and dreams. The initial inspiration for the wrapped sticks comes from an early memory of my Irish grandmother making rag rugs. The computer serves as means of distancing or stepping back from the memory images. I am also interested in representing the relationships of contrasting opposites such as public intimacy, precious garbage, and temporal archives.

I begin the work by assembling wooden sticks wrapped with silk, linen and embroidery thread with other precious elements and found objects. I then digitize these sculpture modules and personal relics on a flatbed scanner. I also incorporate computer graphic artifacts and digital garbage in the images. I combine and paint the various elements into digital images.

In its purest form the digital work is really just bits and bytes. Here in my virtual studio my paintings can be seen on display monitors around the world (with various color capabilities, calibrations and lighting conditions). With the popularity of the World Wide Web an individual artist has the opportunity to show work to a wide reaching audience. I am honored to be an artist in this incredible time. The possibilities seem to be limitless.

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