Inspiration is flimsy and arises first from within. It not only expresses what touches the inner soul but it is also something that evolves with time, a type of "work in progress" influenced by the seasons, moods, and surroundings. Some of my characters are inspired by Russian literature. Birds are a recurrent theme in my work that represent an inner freedom. The Middle Ages, a historical period rich in creativity, has also 'left its imprint'.
Independent of the subject matter, the mastering of a technique is at the heart of my work. I am fortunate to have learned from two masters early on in my career: Henri H. Gowa who gave me insight into the realm of true colors and Frans Masereel who taught me graphic art and how to render luminosity through black and white surfaces.
My oil paintings are a celebration of colors (mineral colors) applied with a palette knife onto a hard gesso board. While I have experimented and adapted the technique of wood cut to ink drawings, enabling me to use larger surfaces to express myself, I have taken up Chinese calligraphy which is a natural evolution from graphic arts. In essence, each of the media is a vehicle through which I express a spontaneity that combines traditionalism with realism.
