In February 2019, following surgery to implant a deep brain stimulation (DBS) device to treat hemi-dystonia, I began exploring the brain/creativity connection by painting in the abstract style with my left hand (the side impacted by the dystonia/aided by DBS and certainly not my dominant side). My initial plan to paint 20 left-handed abstracts between the one-month period from the initial insertion of the DBS antenna to turning “on” the device, morphed into a daily painting practice.

I’m a self-taught artist, painting the early stage of each mixed media abstract primarily with my left hand, then moving into an ambidextrous approach as I add subsequent layers.

Painting commissioned pieces is a favorite creative outlet. Before I begin a commissioned piece, I ask the patron to share their five favorite colors and their five favorite songs. Each painting begins with words written left handed in cursive on the paper or canvas. The words are thoughts/blessings/descriptions of the patron – things I’ve heard them say or something I wish to articulate regarding their uniqueness. Over the words I always apply a thin layer of metallic paint to give shine and movement through the next layers. I then begin listening to the recipient’s five favorite songs in rotation while I paint.

You may notice in the paintings throughout this site, my five favorite colors are: Turquoise, Orange, Rose Madder, Payne’s Grey, and Yellow Ochre. In any one of my non-commissioned paintings you’ll find these colors featured in some combination.

The five songs that currently provide inspiration for me include: Lovely Day (Bill Withers); Summer Breeze (Seals & Croft); Night (Ludovico Einaudi); 5 Bagatelles, Op. 23 (Arr. C. Alexander for Clarinet & String Quartet): No. 4, Forlana (Tesla); Longing/Love (George Winston).

Over the course of the last five years my exploration of the brain/creativity connection, coupled with what inspires me as an artist has deepened; while being a part of the local artistic community has provided a wonderful circle of friends – individuals I admire and aspire to emulate.