The natural world and the way it manifests before me is the initial stimulation for my art. I find that nature is a great source to use as a metaphor for my spiritual and poetic concerns. I may start out with a vague concept; for example, looking below and above the surface of water, the way the energy of line appears in a thicket, or a pattern of light and dark. However, once I begin to put marks on  paper or canvas, I make every attempt to abandon any preconceived notions as to how the marks will progress. I try to let the work develop itself. Ideally, the process becomes a pure visual dialog, where I attempt to balance what appears to be "out there" with my personnel emotions and energy.

I have never found a formulaic approach to making art fulfilling. My instinct, tells me the work is complete, when it takes on an indescribable resonance that feels right to me and hopefully to another observer.

My wife, who is also an artist, has remarked that they are my "visual haiku". I would have to agree in the sense that they try to give a succinct and new experience to a well know situation.

Kevin McLatchy

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