“I’ve had a life-long passion for creating art but found it a challenge to do so while raising a family and working in the corporate world. With no formal training except for the occasional art class or workshop that I could squeeze in, my plan was to focus on making art when I finally had the time.

But staring at a blank canvas was intimidating. It took me about two years of experimenting with painting, printing and pasting to actually find my voice. My work had to be something that interested me personally.

While sifting through storage boxes, I found old black and white family photos which had been packed away for many years. I was struck anew by their charm and simplicity and began using them as inspiration for my early pictures. Each time I started a new painting, referencing one of those photos, it took me back in time. I felt a strong emotional connection to the people in the scene, as if I was right there with them.

I also began to more closely observe the charm and humor in the everyday scenes I encountered. A visit to a farmer’s market, or a walk by three men on a bench, would inspire me to capture it in a painting. These pictures began to take on a more narrative aspect. I wanted to share these moments and let the observer envision the story.

My work continues to evolve as I experiment with various mediums, techniques and subjects. I never want to stop exploring.”

-Dorene Beller