“My paintings represent an interest I have in the traditional image of the United States - particularily the notion of the ‘American Dream’ and how we go about finding it or losing it. I am inspired by this long held American notion along with a more sober perspective of present-day America: a country that often appears lost, searching and in opposition to its founding principals. I try to make beautiful paintings which convey in a subtle way certain glorifications or realities of our life in America. I admire the works of Flannery O'Connor, Charles Burchfield, Walker Evans, Edward Hopper, Robert Cottingham and others who, in my opinion, succeed at interpreting commonplace American objects and people that can sometimes be overlooked. These artists have greatly influenced my paintings and through my work I attempt to create with their same honesty by illuminating certain American conditions. I am particularly interested in the simple forms of older American buildings and the universal symbol of a home. In painting, a home is a point of departure for me. It is a vehicle to express serenity, belonging, rootedness, a sad memory or even a self made prison.” M. Beck