Artist Statement

Symbolism and storytelling saturate my work. I am moved and influenced by what has come before me: the symbol-laden art of the Middle Ages, the impeccable craftsmanship of ancient handmade books, and my own rich familial history. These connections to the past guide the iconography of my work. I strive for an ambiguous, interactive visual play between the viewer and the audience, so I deliberately choose to use symbolism over realism and suggestion over definition. The construction of my work gravitates towards intentional formalism with a nod to minimalistic restraint.

My intent with each work is always the same...to begin a tale, suggest a narrative, and allow the viewer to contemplate, invent, and finish the story. My mixed media constructions, a hybrid of found objects and drawn marks, are simply a place of departure for the viewer’s imagination. The materials I integrate into each piece are determined by the imagery I use and the story I want to tell.  Often, I start with a figure or portrait; sometimes I begin with an interesting object that demands investigation and provokes an imagined story. I then add layers of papers, objects, marks, paint, and ink to bring the story into focus. The underlying structure of wood and paper grounds the piece and adds stability. Most of the work is coated with beeswax to add warmth, richness, and depth. I add brass nails, string and found objects to tie the work together, figuratively and literally. I then cover the wood edges with brass and tacks to add a sense of history and completeness.

I hope these interwoven stories, both physical and conceptual, invite contemplation, conjecture, and reflection.