Roots…

As a visual person, I was continuously drawn to the magnificence of light and its creative relevance. From my early years forward, art was my safe place for communication and emotional solace. For a more wholistic understanding I was intrigued to learn about light from a scientific perspective.

After earning my BFA from college I attended optical school in Brooklyn. There, I learned about anatomy and physiology of the eye and took several courses on the theory of light, revealing a myriad of paths about how light penetrates our atmosphere and displays itself. These studies enabled me to earn a state license as a practicing optician and thus my former professional life began.

With an eye towards design, I set out to create, define, and develop our own exclusive brand of eyewear and accessories with an emphasis on color and whimsy.  This incorporated redefining product design, clever marketing, and retail expansion building ingenious interior design into our boutiques, which provided a harmonious backdrop for our curated collections.

With our growing brand development and recognition, the name Morgenthal Frederics has become synonymous worldwide as the pinnacle of eyewear fashion.

With the eventual sale of the business I was able to live my dream and pursue my second life as a painter. With the scientific knowledge as a background, I am captivated by the visual play and manipulation of the elements of light. Through atmosphere, perspective, luminosity and contrast I nuance the effects of illumination in my work. This is often achieved by utilizing various tools providing a range of marks that establish a basis for the potential energy of the piece.

Adding and removing layers of paint and applying thin glazes serves to enable light to penetrate in measure sequences.  Additionally I am fascinated by portals of light bursting through, contrasting from one dimension to another - the obscure to the realized. These effects I employ intuitively and spontaneously without letting too much thinking stall the momentum.

A successful painting for me is one in which the viewer is compelled by the work, experiencing a deep connection with its movement and rhythm without necessarily needing the definition of a recognizable object. The participation of the viewer intuitively completing the picture for themselves aligns with the pictorial energy and movement, providing a further profound involvement. This potential outcome is what keeps me challenged, energized and motivated to pursue continuously.