I’m working on a new series of paintings that are based on my poetry. While I’ve long been writing, I have never been interested in publishing my work through traditional avenues. Instead, I’ve discovered recently that my interest in text-based art has allowed me to pursue a whole new approach to the written word, this time within the painting sphere.

The work I’m creating in this series primarily uses reclaimed materials as the basis for the writing. I’m particularly interested in reclaimed wood and vessels. For me, the vessels figuratively and literally become containers for the poems themselves.

I find that the three-dimensional pieces also help me to craft the words in ways I could never imagine on paper. The bottles are especially symbolic for me as someone who gave up drinking alcohol many years ago in pursuit of better physical and mental health. I have so many stories I have wanted to tell.

Here are some samples: