Artist Statement
Paint:
I make mixed media paintings that instigate the viewers notions of the physical work as well as the content. When crafting a painting it is important to me that it function as more than a static image; my paintings often double as three-dimensional objects. My imagery is selected for its symbolic value and compiled to allow viewers to build a narrative. I choose imagery that will allude to current events, societal conventions, and recognized iconography. When such information is arranged together we want form a narrative. The value of this practice is that it allows viewers, as well as myself, to arrive at a perspective which may have otherwise remained inaccessible. I believe an artwork must also function as a document of the art making process. A viewer should be able to follow my hand across the surface and retrace my motion.
Jewelry:
I make it like it’s been excavated from another time. While I’m interested in jewelry and metalwork as an opportunity to focus only on aesthetics, I think I also take some idealogical liberties in my work. I often work in base metals like copper and brass. As the artist, this requires me to create the value, rather than rely on the precious materials to offer their worth. I work in organic shapes and create textures using distressed tools to form jewelry designs that feel both contemporary and authentic.