My art practice, which encompasses oil painting, fibre art, and new media, explores personal investigations in spatial, material and philosophical perspective , haptic art, and the juxtaposition of traditional art forms with technology. The intent in all of my work is to provide the viewer not only with an uncommon point of view, but also to initiate a haptic and synaesthetic response in the body.

In the landscape series The Rivers of Alberta, the satellite photos are realized through the traditional process of large format oil paintings. The aerial, transcendental view from space creates a harmony of form and content, visually blending shapes of rivers and valleys, cityscapes, agricultural fields and forestry cut blocks.

    Spending time in nature has always been an important part of my life. I am intrigued by the way that stone and earth are shaped by water, wind and ice, and the role of prairie rivers in our arid climate. Through the imagery created by my paintings, the viewer can follow the paths carved into the land as rivers wind their way through a landscape where the slightest rise in topography will redirect the water flow. These waterways are not static, but can be altered dramatically through human intervention and in times of flood, which in some areas is a yearly event. My paintings reference distinct moments within the expanse of geological time. These geographical and cultural landscapes can remain unchanged for a lifetime, even generations, or be transformed in an instant. My intention is to explore how we, as human individuals can heighten the awareness of ourselves within our landscape and the time continuum.

    Remediating a photo that is captured in an instant from a satellite in space by the meditative process of painting with oils on panel is a contrast not only in materials, but also of time, of thought, and of personal touch. The process of painting follows the movement of the arm, using physical gesture to express form. In my paintings, the shapes of the rivers are copied carefully while the colours are chosen intuitively, a synthesis of control and abandon.

    My serial work, Rivers of Alberta is a product of contemporary technology reworked and translated through a traditional creative practice. In Rivers of Alberta, the satellite images inspire the tradition of landscape painting. The intersection between traditional art forms and contemporary technology within my work invites the viewer to reflect on the value of maintaining an awareness of our individual lives within the vast expanse of time and change.