My love of painting was born amidst the green hills of Istria, a peninsula in northwestern Croatia across the bay from Venice, known since Roman times as “Terra Magica” (magical land). I had carried the field easel and supplies of the Croatian painter Nikola Reiser, a dear family friend, on a plein air outing. At the tender age of seven, my role was humble but significant to me.
As I sat amidst the beauty of gently sloping vineyards and gardens overlooking the bay with its glistening waters, I was captivated by the scene unfolding on Reiser’s canvas. With each brushstroke, he brought to life the salty breezes and the brilliance of the moment. To me, his colors were not mere pigments but a reflection of the artist’s soul. The hot glow of the early afternoon radiated from the canvas. It was as if the composition seamlessly extended beyond the confines of the canvas…
My first painting teacher and inspiration Nikola Reiser and I during our last meeting in 2007 on the Island of Losinj, Croatia
In that moment, I awakened to the potential of art to convey the intrinsic vitality that courses through us and our surroundings. In the years that followed, I have endeavored to remain true to the serendipitous discovery of our capacity for expression on that sun-drenched Mediterranean day and the mentoring I received from Reiser.
Much of my artistic work portrays life’s fleeting moments and unveils the sublime within the ordinary. Whether I am capturing the ethereal realm of a traditional lama dance or the organic beauty of a row of ripe pears on a windowsill, the joy of expression remains unwavering.
I paint with oil on canvas and pastel on paper, working with layers of pigment to create luminous surfaces that portray, as faithfully as possible, the richness of life and our world. It always surprises and delights me when people say my art radiates joy and brings joy to their lives. It is certainly the emotion that is most apparent when I am working.
Art is my unwavering passion, a force that compels me to create regardless of external validation. At times, it has been more than just a form of expression; it has been a trusted friend, a means to find order amidst chaos, and a profound connection to the life force that courses through us all.
I have been inspired by many diverse artists: Bonnard, Cezanne, Chagall, Sorolla, Vermeer, Van Gogh, Artemisia Gentileschi, Mary Cassatt, and my teachers Nikola Reiser, Max Ginsburg and Sharon Sprung. It has been my privilege to share this journey and the fruits of my labor with others.