Like any artist, my work is connected. Although the media, the colors, and even the subject matter may change from one piece to the next, all of my artwork in some way reflects my Vision. In this Vision, I strive to create images that evoke a sense of movement, mystery and magic by balancing darkness with light, both literally and figuratively. Borrowing a phrase a peer at SUNY Potsdam once used to describe my work, I refer to this Vision, and my corresponding art business, as Diabolical Whimsy.
Ever since I was little, I have been interested in the fantastic. I delved into fantasy because in many ways it helped me escape the troubles in my home life. As I grew older, my love of fantasy never dwindled. Instead, it morphed into more sophisticated interests. When I was in high school, I began learning about Paganism, a religion focused on respecting the turning of the seasons and the magic of nature. This study of real magic kept fantasy alive for me.
I use art as a way to vocalize this interest in magic and fantasy. In every piece of artwork I make, there is always some reference to the fantastic weaved into it. Sometimes, this is just the colors and movement in a piece. Other times, it is adding faerie wings to the figures in my drawings, or the addition of baubles of light to my photographs. I use these elements to represent magical energy being conjured from the air. This energy is often benevolent and welcoming. It is these magical touches that give my work its Whimsy.
I am a generally happy person. However, I find that along with these whimsical touches, the images I create are also edgy and sometimes even depict violence. It is these aspects of my work that form the Diabolical side of my Vision. Often, my images contain a dark and moody air. This is created by the rich, dark colors as well as the costuming and prop choices. Having my models wear masks adds to this vibe by creating a sense of mystery.
My work and my Vision are not just diabolical, nor are they solely whimsical. It is the combination, contrast and comingling of these aspects that interests me. All of the images have a Diabolical Whimsy to them—this sense of duality between something dark and edgy and something light-hearted and fun. The rich blacks and vibrant colors in my images echo this sense of duality. Along with this, I also seek to convey movement and energy. Sometimes I accomplish this with blur or color. Other times, it is with the paintings overlaid onto the photographs that add a sense of atmosphere.
Through art, I have created many different types of characters in different worlds. I have depicted mythical creatures like faeries and angels as well as a group of circus performers. However, no matter what type of character I portray, each image I create reflects my Vision of a dualistic Diabolical Whimsy.
Ever since I was little, I have been interested in the fantastic. I delved into fantasy because in many ways it helped me escape the troubles in my home life. As I grew older, my love of fantasy never dwindled. Instead, it morphed into more sophisticated interests. When I was in high school, I began learning about Paganism, a religion focused on respecting the turning of the seasons and the magic of nature. This study of real magic kept fantasy alive for me.
I use art as a way to vocalize this interest in magic and fantasy. In every piece of artwork I make, there is always some reference to the fantastic weaved into it. Sometimes, this is just the colors and movement in a piece. Other times, it is adding faerie wings to the figures in my drawings, or the addition of baubles of light to my photographs. I use these elements to represent magical energy being conjured from the air. This energy is often benevolent and welcoming. It is these magical touches that give my work its Whimsy.
I am a generally happy person. However, I find that along with these whimsical touches, the images I create are also edgy and sometimes even depict violence. It is these aspects of my work that form the Diabolical side of my Vision. Often, my images contain a dark and moody air. This is created by the rich, dark colors as well as the costuming and prop choices. Having my models wear masks adds to this vibe by creating a sense of mystery.
My work and my Vision are not just diabolical, nor are they solely whimsical. It is the combination, contrast and comingling of these aspects that interests me. All of the images have a Diabolical Whimsy to them—this sense of duality between something dark and edgy and something light-hearted and fun. The rich blacks and vibrant colors in my images echo this sense of duality. Along with this, I also seek to convey movement and energy. Sometimes I accomplish this with blur or color. Other times, it is with the paintings overlaid onto the photographs that add a sense of atmosphere.
Through art, I have created many different types of characters in different worlds. I have depicted mythical creatures like faeries and angels as well as a group of circus performers. However, no matter what type of character I portray, each image I create reflects my Vision of a dualistic Diabolical Whimsy.
