This series is based on the Japanese scientist & author Dr. Masaru Emoto’s high speed photographs of crystallized water molecules. Dr. Emoto hypothesized water has a consciousness capable of changing its expression when exposed to music, photographs, and language. He postulated water exposed to “positive” factors such as classical music or words of gratitude alter the molecular structure of water and result in aesthetically pleasing patterns, while “negative” elements like death metal music and offensive language transform water and produce unattractive imagery.

This series was created for the exhibition Water Music at DZINE Gallery in San Francisco. The show’s title references orchestral compositions by the composer Handel, and the paintings are based on images of water’s molecular response to music.

Water is the most powerful solvent on Earth, yet it is also odorless, colorless, and tasteless. I wanted the paintings to reflect these opposing feelings of being both durable yet delicate. To convey these contrasting sentiments, I painted on sheets of acrylic glass that were then layered on the mirrored panel and sealed in resin. These materials create depth and an illusion of lightness, but the resin and mirrored panel add significant weight and subtly allude to the deceptive power nature. I intentionally leave part of the mirror exposed; the mirror reflects its surroundings so the painting is constantly changing even after it has left my studio. The viewer is reflected when looking at the painting, and conceptually this allows the audience to also partake in the artist. For example, the blue in several of the photographs is the reflection of the blue sky when the artwork was photographed outside.