A.I.R. GALLERY - LINK

ARTIST STATEMENT

My work explores via parody, the relationship between self identity and culture – questioning through process, imagery and form, how each may be represented visually. My current body of work, collectively entitled SIGNS OF DESIRE celebrates the language of both conventional painting and that of the "assembled." The paintings in this group are all on birch panels, but are "assembled" as though collaged -- layers of painted shape, pattern, image and text are "built," then erased with an electric sander, drawn again, and re-layered. The process alternates between embedding and exposing---some of the images below remain clear to the viewer, while others become partially obscured, denied or sealed off. These works seem a natural extension of my works on paper which mimic this same encasement --images and their disjointed narratives are drawn, covered in the process then coaxed back through layers of paint, Mylar® and sheet vinyl.

The concept of desire has become central– my yearning to reconnect with traditional painting, as well as my many other wants and temptations. Consumption of material objects ("Buy Everything at Least Once"), the lure of luxury, extravagance, food fantasies and sexuality are all given a voice. The work is reflective of roadside billboards in its worn layers and bold claims, playing personal ruminations off of cultural directives. It also explores the comfort that nostalgia can offer as well as the desire for personal power. My nod toward commercial signage echoes not only consumptive temptations, but a deep, personal allegiance with the imagery of advertising. It also to me, honors the notion of a painting as a sign.