To me, art is a way to express an idea or a feeling without words getting in the way. I use color, linework and composition to communicate meaning through an experience. I start a painting quickly and with high energy, and as I refine the piece, I delicately balance abstraction and representation. The western wildlife are so full of life, personality and unique traits that they almost come to life on their own terms in my paintings, though the feelings I focus on are meant to boost, and cheer the human spirit, to give strength, resilience and inspiration.