The imagery for my paintings on thin sheets of aluminum is derived from 18th century Rococo sources; namely, the French painters Watteau, Fragonard, Boucher and Lancret. Watteau used most of his figures as 'stock footage'~ a limited cast of characters appears continuously in his body of work, their slightly shifted poses and contexts made to seem endlessly unique. I continue to explore these pre-cinematic techniques and introduce a similar cast of characters into dramatically altered environments. Ultimately I have found a surrogate for my own life experiences. The 18th century fascination for decadence and romance, and the political implications of these obsessions, remains a relevant, ongoing cultural narrative.

The smooth surface, neutral grey color and industrial aspect of the aluminum are very appealing to me; and my process of applying oil paint to such a surface has been predetermined by these qualities. Reflection, absorption and luminosity are all elements I use to enhance specific imagery.