Exiting Work
Artist Statement

On the route home from my former full-time job, I would take Exit 1A off Highway 102, and connect to Highway 103. The rich earth tones of the cliff at this off ramp, juxtaposed with the skeletal remains of a burnt-out forest, are the inspiration for this series. I felt an emotional compulsion to paint this scene, which has evolved into a symbolic representation of my decision to leave (exit) my full-time job to pursue a career in painting.

I no longer drive this route, but I continue to be inspired by that cliff. It’s not my only inspiration – I have painted other series’ - but invariably I return to the cliff; partially motivated by the colours, and the process of reinventing this landscape, but also because my experience with breast cancer was the impetus for leaving my full-time position.  The decision to leave has been a long, difficult one.  Since resigning, I have decided to continue that vocation on a part-time basis – and I believe this to be best.

I work in oil on canvas, and use painting knives for the majority of my pieces. I typically paint in layers, but some of my work is executed in a more immediate fashion.  My process is partially planned and part instinct, allowing for “happy accidents” along the way.

How does one see a cliff?  An obstacle? An intellectual, physical, emotional, or psychological challenge?  Something to jump off?  You tell me.