“Dream a Better World” brings together a series of paintings where water birds and humans appear to be engaged in various kinds of rescue efforts. Birds are holding a wobbly balance on wondrous feet of sea shells and fins, while humans in costumes or protective clothing carry signs, megaphones and orange floats. Working in acrylics and sometimes collage lets me make definitions and changes quickly all through the process. Seeing what takes form while bright, spring like colors build confident harmonies is my favorite part of painting. In the context of landscape, these color harmonies suggest places alongside rivers, lakes and the sea. My figurative imagery is whimsical in comparison, combining descriptive details and vagueness in equal parts. As the scenes evolve, I am looking to recognize kindness, mutual reliance, and risk. My way of working leaves visible traces of definitions from earlier in the process, but which were later changed. Like my water bird’s tentative stance, definition and doubt in my view also exist in a wobbly balance. In this way my budding narratives stay open for viewers to push further towards their own creative journeys. I locate my work within the tradition of ambivalence and impermanence. Even a small painting can create a space where the weight of the world is temporarily held in check.
This show is part of McLean Project for the Arts' 2026 Spring Solos
