The goal of my work is to capture my subject at a reflective moment of insight when intimate conversation allows for an uncorking of long held and often unexamined experiences.  Rather than posing a model while I photograph reference for my paintings, I engage my sitters in conversation, sometimes lasting hours, and shoot candidly. Through this process I hope to capture the moments of truth that happen through story telling, by being a compassionate listener and giving my subjects the opportunity to examine an experience at arm’s length and in the light of day. I believe that involving myself intimately with my subjects makes me a more thoughtful painter and connects me very personally to each painting.  I feel a great sense of responsibility to render the emotions of my subjects accurately and honestly.   I strive for each piece to give the viewer the sense of sitting across from someone during an intimate conversation