My art explores the way in which we engage with our surroundings and the possible consequences our actions have upon the world in which we live. Through my work I attempt to question the rationale of our choices, and try to reveal the dichotomy that may exist between what we desire and what we manifest. Recently my work has focused upon the mechanisms that power our society and examines how they may influence the construct for a possible future.

I paint what my heart directs and the joy
I feel putting brush to canvas. My favorite
subjects are whimsical Greek Island scenes,
magical Maui images, Vineyards in California,
vibrant Canyon landscapes. There's magic
everywhere and I want it on my canvas.

The Landscapes Series has become, in many ways, a journey back to my origins. It's a return to representational work, informed by years of working abstractly. The subjects that I began with are based on imagery from regular trips between San Francisco, my home, and Santa Barbara, my birthplace.

Making an image of something is a deeply satisfying way to know and appreciate it. Re-presenting the forms, textures and colors of the scenes I pass through repeatedly has led to a renewed perception of them. And vice-versa: seeing the world from a new perspective has challenged me to recreate that image as a sucessful painting. For me, that means one that is true to the subject, unique in its making, and meaningful to both the artist and the viewer.

Basing the imagery on an actual time and place keeps it objective, while abstracting color and form allows for subjective viewpoints. A personal experience becomes universal and everyone sees the world in a new way.

• I love painting nature, especially trees and flowers. These paintings are works painted from the places I walk my dog.