My work varies between the abstract and the representational. My abstract pieces tend to contain bold colors, patterns, and repeating shapes or objects, as I like to experiment with how those objects and colors react with each other and whether that reaction causes the viewer to stay longer with the painting. In both types of paintings, I enjoy referring to a color, pattern, or shape (or even historical event or memory) that I think most people would recognize or have a connection to and then incorporating that connection and feeling into the painting. I also like to substitute 2-dimensional objects or patterns for 3-dimensional parts of the painting especially when that substitution creates a common reference. 

My inspiration is usually based on a color palette or pattern that I have an emotional reaction to. Then, I build around those colors or objects looking for a composition that connects that emotional reaction. By design or happenstance, those colors or images relate to a memory or idea or feeling and if possible I will incorporate that memory into the painting. I like to use mostly acrylic paint because it dries fast and forms a complete whole (as opposed to a paper or 3-dimensional collage for instance). Often I will sketch the composition beforehand and then try out different colors or move things around until the composition feels complete. As I paint, I make more changes - sometimes I am not sure a composition will work until I see it on the canvas. As a result, there is a lot of painting, then pausing and reflecting, and then returning to the canvas until I cannot bring myself to make any more changes.