statement

I have always been inclined to pursue art in a manner, which emphasizes drawing and a concern for naturalism. Having a great admiration for the tradition of figurative painting, I have devoted a good deal of energy developing the technical and perceptual skills required by this discipline. I focus primarily on the human figure depicted in environments that create a context for psychologically charged, open ended narratives. Many of these narratives explore ideas about power and vulnerability.

Quality of light is a common theme. In particular, the way in which atmospheric light and locale can suggest a sense of mystery and silence. These works are dark, humid and hopefully, at their best, memorable. For me, the most successful are those that evoke the feeling that an event is about to happen or has recently happened.

Images of figures or figures in landscapes, in groups or in isolation, share a common feeling of significance.  Wholly absorbed within themselves or the dialogue shared between one another, they wait for the unfolding of their private story.

bio

born: 1968, Easton, Pennsylvania

education

Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, MFA 1993
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, BFA 1990

selected awards/honors

First Place Award, Inda 5 International Exhibition, Manifest Creative Research Center Gallery, Cincinnati, OH, 2010
Purchase Award, Au Naturel: The Nude in the 21st Century International Exhibition, Clatsop Community College Art Center, Astoria, OR, 2009
Second Place Award, National Compact Competition, Louisiana State University Art  Gallery, Baton Rouge, LA, 2004
First Place Other Media Award, 77th Annual National Juried Exhibition, Art Association of Harrisburg, PA, 2005

selected publications

Catalog, Figurama 10, International Traveling Exhibition, Gallery of Emil Filla, Usti nad  Labem, Czech Republic, Middle Slovak Gallery, Banska Bystrica, Slovak Republic, p.163-180, 2010
Selections from the International Drawing Annual 5, by Alan Pocaro, AEQAI: Critical Thinking, Review & Reflective Prose on Contemporary Visual Art in Greater Cincinnati, OH, 2010
Sublime Sampling, Burchfield Penney Continues to Show Off Its Goods, by Colin Dabkowski, Gusto, Buffalo News, p. 14, Aug 27-Sept. 3, 2010

selected solo or two-person exhibits

Castellani Art Museum at the Falls, Niagara Falls, NY, 2007
Sheetz Gallery, Community Art Center, Penn State Altoona, Altoona, PA, 2005
Fanette Goldman / Carolyn Greenfield Gallery, Daemen College, Amherst, NY, 2003
Madelon Powers Gallery, East Stroudsburg University, East Stroudsburg, PA, 2001

selected group shows

35th Harper College National Small Works Exhibition, Palatine, IL, 2012
International Contemporary Drawing Exhibition, Fontbonne University Art Gallery, St. Louis, MO, 2011
National Art Premier 2011, Elmhurst Art Museum, Elmhurst, IL, 2011
Figurama 10 International Traveling Exhibition, Gallery of Emil Filla, Usti nad Labem, Czech Republic, Middle Slovak Gallery, Banska Bystrica, Slovak Republic, 2010