Many of us have memories of looking up and daydreaming as a child, and still look to the sky to find peace as adults. My paintings build on these shared associations by referencing the ever-changing, ever-present nature of our environment. My work is focused on skies and clouds because it's such an approachable and inclusive subject, and the continuous transformation of the sky also mirrors our constantly changing lives. I've been painting clouds over metal leaf for more than 15 years now, and was initially drawn to combining the two after studying Baroque and Buddhist art concurrently. Though very different in many ways, the two styles share the goal of instilling significance and esteem to their subject through ornamentation. I'm hopeful that all who see my work find resonance in it, and more fully appreciate the beauty within the familiar.