After Snowfall, I Danced in Bliss Park

Shortly after a snowstorm in New York at the end of 2020, I went to a sprawling park in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. A fresh layer of snow had blanketed the undulating hills, covering the blades of grass that had been dulling over the course of December. As the sunset progressed and then the sky became dark, the light of the lamps stationed throughout Owl's Head Park reflected on the snow. The landscape of the park became imbued with gold. I was careful not to slip on any ice, but I felt the urge to dance. I had been wearing a raspberry-colored, puffy coat. When I made this painting later on, back in my studio, the experience of dancing in the park after snowfall poured out of me. Once I finished the painting, I realized something. I had painted the park from a different perspective: from above.

About the Super Natural collection

Ocean waves, snow-capped trees, lightning and thunder, and waterfalls: all of these terms relate to nature. The term "supernatural" usually refers to some force that defies the laws of nature. Yet, I often feel the greatest magic and spirituality through immersing myself in landscapes, observing nature.

What if the real wizardry comes from seeing the magic that's already here, within us and all around us? What can I learn about myself, my inner world, by spending time paying close attention to my surroundings, the outer world? If the creation of art and music isn't magic, what is magic? If the creation of art and music doesn't defy the laws of nature, then maybe the laws of nature have more to do with spirituality and possibility and less to do with constriction and predictability.

The paintings in this series all have to do with finding spirituality, insight, and magic (which can feel supernatural) in nature.