As I work spatially with objects that are interesting to me, I am aware of the metaphors that are created out of the ambiguities of these objects. Often I choose to define and exaggerate these tensions, and sometimes I choose to discredit them in favor of a simple aesthetic dialogue. My surfaces have a rich, gestural openness that grows into the layers of shape and form. Although the issues I have just expressed have always been prevalent in my art making, what has been extremely important to the art process over the past several years has been working outside of my studio in Louisiana. What I have found most stimulating is to place myself in another location and allow that environment to influence me. The newness and freshness of that environment can be quite stimulating and exciting. This has released me and my art from being tethered to one studio, one geography, one sameness. Confronted with new environment, the posibilities stimulate new directions, and all is possible. I attempt to express this freshness and excitement in the art that is produced at that location. The utilization of local discarded and found objects determines either their profound effect or, more often than not, manifestions humor and whimsy. This I particularly like. These influences keep my art fresh and keep me off balance, which translates to the art. The gathering and making of these art objects are perhaps akin to collecting my own natural history.