april clay

The process of layering paper, paint, drawings, words and found objects has been my favorite mode of expression for many years. Not only does it give me an excuse to collect more stuff, it has moved me into developing a way to incorporate objects that I wouldn't have used previously. Using resin that encapsulates 3 dimensional objects was a way for my more delicate articles (insects, butterfly wings, feathers etc.) to live above the 2 dimensional collages, floating in their own space. I try to make art which takes a viewer on a visual journey by creating levels and layers, where one becomes absorbed in subtle, intimate experiences while exploring the painting and over a period of time will make new discoveries. My work is most often inspired by nature. In nature there is an overall variety of images, colors and textures which appear to be arranged randomly. I try to take a closer look at the world beneath our feet, the trees and bushes or just past our human perception to create a new relationship with the environment that surrounds us.