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.
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. |