Words, symbols, and color, are used to create patterns that provoke thoughts and ideas relating to something I read or see that compels me. I then begin to process the thought or idea into visual elements. I first add layers of color and then paint, draw, and scratch to create multi-layered, nearly 3-dimensional surfaces. Often, I work with repetition, particularly the repetition of a symbol, word, or a series of words or statements in linear, circular, or grid patterns. While working in this repetitive manner, the creating of the piece becomes a visual mantra for me, and the creation of the painting has as much importance as the finished work.