Materials: Historical to Contemporary

I am, by nature, an explorer -- taking the side trails on a hike, growing exotic vegetables, learning deeply about something completely new. And while I've never been to the Arctic, curiosity has always been a guiding force in my life—and is very much present in my art practice. I often get asked how I came up with my process. The answer: I explored and played with my materials. I followed the path of curiosity.

Let’s start with texture. The use of texture on a 2D surface is nothing new. You’ll find it throughout art history: from ancient Egyptian tomb paintings to the carved plaster walls of Renaissance Italy, to the thick, expressive impasto of Van Gogh’s brush. Texture has long served as a tool to convey emotion, energy, and movement. It adds depth and dimension, drawing viewers into a painting not just visually, but almost physically. For me, it’s a vital component—something that brings each piece to life.

Then there’s metal leaf—gilding. This too is an ancient art form, dating back thousands of years. Gold leaf has adorned Indian temples, Egyptian sarcophagi, Byzantine icons, and Medieval manuscripts. The Japanese used it exquisitely for centuries. It’s a meticulous process: the metal is hammered into impossibly thin sheets (often 1/250,000th of an inch!), then applied with a special adhesive to create a glowing, reflective surface. Historically, it was often used as a background—what’s known as “gold grounding”—to elevate the subject in a literal and symbolic light. I incorporate this same technique, using it to create a unifying base layer of luminosity and color temperature.

During the lockdown of 2020, with a cleared calendar and time to spare, I dove into experimentation. I took online classes, tried new materials, and let myself wander creatively. I leaned into traditional methods—those rooted deeply in art history—but allowed myself the freedom to use them in ways that felt entirely my own.
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The Reflections on Metal Leaf series was born from this season. It’s a culmination of curiosity, historical influence, and contemporary expression – a development of a deeply personal visual language. These works reflect not just the light they catch, but the beauty, complexity, and movement of the world around us. 

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