Artist Statement

Throughout the history of Western art, angels have served as captivating, enduring, and inspirational figures. From the soaring frescoes of the Renaissance to the grand cathedrals and guardians of lavish cemeteries, these images have been treasured over centuries as powerful symbols of spirituality on Earth. Artists have sought to visually represent spiritual concepts and experiences, using angels as symbols of divine presence, protection, and transcendence, exploring themes of faith, hope, and the supernatural.

In these challenging times, the relevance of these themes persists. We find ourselves in battle-weary periods where the need for angelic guidance seems more pronounced than ever. By being quiet and attentive, one might feel their presence or witness the outcomes of their influence.

These representations serve as mere placeholders, symbols, and reference points for an unseen phenomenon that has been sensed and revered since time immemorial. Angels in various forms and the mystical sensations surrounding them have recurred in my dreams throughout my life. They also manifest synchronistically in my waking life, capturing my attention and inspiring my work as a painter.

My paintings are not mere studies in replicating forms; rather, they aim to communicate the spiritual emotions I associate with these beings, offering a poignant glimpse into my deep, personal vision.

Utilizing oil paints and occasionally mixed media, I strive to capture the timeless allure of these figures in a profoundly personal manner. On each canvas, I recreate the flawless contours and folds of drapery, the serene facial expressions, and the delicate details of wings, poised as if ready to unfurl and take flight. The rich hues invite viewers to ponder their postures, expressions, and roles as messengers to our spirits. My goal is to elevate these cherished works from their traditional representations and reimagine them through a contemporary lens, highlighting their relevance in our everyday lives. By doing so, I hope to inspire viewers to find personal refuge, to perceive the nuances, dynamism, and emotional depth within their classical elegance.

These paintings are meditations on the profound impact of the sacred and spiritual that have spanned ages. By blending old and new, static and kinetic, material and spiritual elements, I aspire to kindle a transcendent experience and make the ancient marvel of angel imagery luminous once again. On a spiritual level, I hope that these works inspire viewers with a renewed awareness and appreciation of our angelic helpers.

Reviews and Publications

Oxford American, cover, summer 2017

Photorealism in the Digital Age by Louis Meisel, Nov 2013

Art News review, June 2013

Exhibition catalog, Bernarducci Meisel Gallery Feb. 2013

American Art Collector, February, 2013

San Francisco Weekly, blogs June 2012

Nob Hill Gazette, Cover, San Francisco, CA June 2012

Visual Art Source weekly newsletter, June 22 2012

American Art collector, Nov. 2010

Harper’s Magazine cover, August, 2009

New York Times, The Moment, Dec. 15, 2008

Oranges and Sardines, summer 2008

The Morning News, May 2008

New American Painting, 2008

Houston Press, April 2007

New York Times, Oct. 2006

New American Painting, Oct. 2005

Animal Magazine, New York, NY, Sept. 2005

Village Voice, New York, NY, June 21 2005

New York Sun, May 31, 2005

Paper City Art Notes, 2005

Art Gallery, Houston Arts News Letter, Feb, 2005

Houston’s Other, July 2000

Art Lies, Summer 2000