Half Life is a hi-res jpg of a painting in my "Unforeseen Behaviors" series from 2010. Fusing physics, digital technology and painting, the hyper-energetic, cascading compositions are based on simulated atomic particle collisions. Amid an infinite black void, thousands of vibrantly-hued dots explode and implode in a constant state of flux, conjuring fireworks, waterfalls, and volcanic mountains.

Embracing the infinitesimal realm of physics, I manipulate computer code to generate animations of simulated particle collisions. From these animations I capture still images which become templates for the paintings, blurring the boundaries between digital media, drawing, and painting. Layer upon layer of overlapping tiny dots and fragile lines are painstakingly hand-painted in oils, coalescing into emergent iconic forms. In the artist’s words, the work “reflects a tension between technology and handcraft, as well as the rigor of scientific process and the emotional possibilities of abstraction.”