Connect What is your favorite type of art to create?

I’m a colorist first and painter. My favorite moments are when an abstract piece starts to sing and it’s always about movement and color. I was weened on Matisse, Kandinsky and then Frankenthaler. My career was in handpainted silk with dyes and that was fascinating to explore with how dye differs from pigment. Now I have the years of experience behind me and I’m exploring using both. Exploring the esoteric has become very important, yet in the tradition of abstract expressionism. Interesting.

Where do you find inspiration?

I live in my remote studio now, in the mountains next to a wetland. Nature is always first. Patterns in nature. Then comes my reasonably good knowledge of art history. I look to be in that space where I stop thinking and just flow. Anything and everything becomes inspiration. It’s about getting in the zone. When I was quite young I spent a lot of time at the Met and MOMA. A Bennington College program allowed me to work for the Met. Henry Geldzahler showed me a painting about light and color.

What would you do with $25,000?

Buy materials. I often buy less expensive paint and attempt to use well, however quality makes a huge difference. Spend less time looking for ways to bring in income and just completely focus on the work. An occasional studio assistant would help lots too. Travel, of course, is always inspirational. Mainly I want good materials and uninterrupted time. Someday I’d like to put an addition on my studio, I love having quality space and need more. A good dinner occasionally!