Artist Statement
​

I firmly believe in art as a way of knowing. My artistic practice is a way of understanding the world around me. As a result my work is more likely to ask questions than to give answers.

I find that materials, objects, and places are intrinsically loaded with meaning. There is no such thing as a blank canvas. Clay dug from the hillside just outside of an ancient Silk Road city and maple seeds collected from an Underground Railroad site in Illinois both have a story to tell. I work with these objects as a way of connecting to their stories and to share them with others. 

---

Mission Statement

Make artwork that...

-Seeks value in ordinary things.
-Connects with both regional and global concerns.
-Lives both in the gallery and out of it; interacts directly with daily life.
-Makes room for contemplation in a world increasingly full of distraction.

Support other artists by...

-Sharing my technical expertise and experience with students, encouraging them to find their own identities and flourish in sustainable artistic practice.  
-Mentoring a few more dedicated young artists on a deeper level, hopefully developing paid internships in the future.  
-Being a patron of other artists and arts organizations
​-Seeking opportunities to curate shows featuring works of other artists.

Develop community by...

-Developing an artistic practice that seeks to connect people and fosters dialog
-Building relationships with supporters and patrons
-Deliberately seeking opportunities to show my work in my local community- not just in big venues.
​- Having sales which support local non-profits.