Herman Melville’s assertion, “It is not down in any map; true places never are,” encapsulates the essence of my artistic journey. His words capture the idea that true places transcend the confines of physical geography, existing instead in the internal realms of memory, emotion, and spiritual exploration. My work is a journey into these intangible territories, exploring the frontier where reality and imagination merge.
In my practice—spanning painting, mixed-media, and installation—I construct mystical spaces that defy the confines of the tangible world. These ethereal realms do not exist on maps; they are unchartered and emerge from the collision of the celestial and the earthly. Through symbolism and mystery, I seek to challenge perceptions and unveil the transformational nature of these imagined realms.
My artistic narrative is shaped by a rich tapestry of personal and cultural influences—American/Jewish, Armenian/French/Christian, and Japanese. This diverse heritage infuses my work with themes of fragility, resilience, and spiritual quest. A pivotal memory of climbing a towering evergreen tree in my youth inspired my concept of a “Grand Unity,” a vision of profound connection with nature and humanity, rooted in principles of equality and environmental harmony.
The tension between nature and technology is a central theme in my work. I investigate historical and cultural connections to land, sea, and air, emphasizing solidarity, shared responsibility, and environmental protection in the context of climate change. By juxtaposing natural elements with symbols of technological advancement, such as headphones and power lines, I critique their dual roles as both connectors and dividers. Structures like water towers and city skylines highlight the fragile balance between sustainability and industrialization, while symbols from sacred texts and the periodic table reinforce a universal commitment to environmental stewardship across cultures and eras.
My artistic process intertwines deliberate intent with spontaneous creation. Through my paintings, I blend abstraction, surrealism, and traditional Japanese painting motifs, using dynamic brushwork and dripping paint to reveal layers of meaning. The interplay of cool and warm hues evokes both temporal and transcendent experiences. By integrating unconventional materials—oil, acrylic, ink, charcoal, tree branches, corrugated cardboard, sea pearls, and embroidery thread—I craft complex, multidimensional works that reflect the themes I explore. I'm intrigued by the contrast between rigid geometric lines and organic forms. I find it fascinating how unconventional mark-making techniques with twisted string and gnarled branches can convey the concept of line in new and expressive ways.
Influenced by visionaries like Frank Lloyd Wright and Judy Pfaff, I seek to transform spaces, bridging the gap between indoor and outdoor environments and challenging traditional boundaries between sculpture, painting, and architecture. My background in interior architectural design, coupled with ongoing research into art, design, and neuroscience, deepens my exploration of how art interacts with and shapes human experience.
Through my art, I aim to reveal its visceral, experiential, and transformative power of art, exploring how it can uncover deeper, personal truths—what I call "true places." I invite viewers to embark on a profound personal and engaging journey, challenging them to connect with their own inner landscapes and discover new dimensions of meaning in these immersive spaces.