In my recent work, I re-imagine stories, fables and fairy tales from childhood and reinvent them with the help of friends who model and collaborate in the creative process. The setting of scene is a large part of the artistic process. I develop costumes from thrift store finds, and manufacture props in the basement from scraps of wood, fabric and papier-mâché. The personalities and costumes guide me into narrative re-interpretations that change characters. Peter Rabbit becomes Mr. McGregor’s beloved son rather than fodder for a rabbit pie. The Little Mermaid wants to trade her fuchsia flippers for stylish stilettos. Pinocchio is a grown man and makes his living as a dance instructor.

I want the surface of my paintings to shimmer with color and energy. I begin with a detailed black charcoal drawing, and then build layers of color loosely contained within the coloring book-like outlines. The soft, rich pastel colors, many of which I custom-make, achieve the desired intensity and hue to create layered visual depictions. They are literary analysis for the eyes with the elements of irony, metaphor, allegory and symbolism providing opportunities for reflection and contemplation of stories all will find familiar and yet brand new.