The intent of my work is to allow the viewer to interpret meaning using their own experience. My feelings/ thoughts behind it are directly related to my personal history with the subjects in the work. The titles of the work are straightforward, occasionally I include a “hint” to inform the viewer of a feeling I wanted to convey with the piece.
Originality
My technique is relatively unknown, I use sandpaper as a medium to embed dry material (charcoal and occasionally pastel) into heavy paper. Using this technique, I am able to “see” in the dark; I use a myriad of photographic references which allows me to lighten up the dark areas and balance them out with the lighter ones without washing out the details. Use of this technique takes the work to a “hyper-real” level and lends itself well to the pervasive feeling of melancholy that exists. My intent is to confront the viewer and ask questions.
Connection
There is honesty to the work that I can only express if I have a true connection with it. I pick out everything from the outfits and rugs that the subjects sit on to the lighting in order to capture the feeling that I wish to convey for that body of work. I have started to incorporate props as well which leads to a narrative that is also open for interpretation.
Credentials
- MA, California State University, Sacramento, 2002.
- Single-subject Teaching Credential, Art, California State University, Sacramento, 2002.
- Multi-subject Teaching Credential, Chapman University, 1998.
- BFA, University of Southwestern Louisiana, 1994.
- View Awards and Press coverage
