Artist Statement

I make art in several different media.

A particular visual interest of mine at present is the use of abstraction and pattern in painting, textiles and quilts found in Vernacular Art and Craft. With this as an influence my own work is then layered with my own personal history. I use a language of abstraction and symbolism to express collective truths about my own experiences.

Painting and Textiles

My current work has the intention of creating a memorial to my father who died in 2008. As part of this memorial I am creating a series of quilts made entirely from his clothing. I plan to use all of his clothing and make approximately twenty quilts in total. My inspiration for quilt making comes from my preoccupation with abstraction and pattern but since I have started making quilts the medium has opened up many more possibilities. For instance, the latest quilt, Eulogy, 2011 breaks from traditional pattern and features hand-embroidered text. The dialogue between my works in fabric and painting is deepening, with the two media are informing one another in material and conceptual ways.

Sculpture

I use found material and other objects to create symbolic works that compliment the underlying themes of my quilt making project. Again these works are conceived and created as monuments and memorials to my father. All of the materials used in these works are highly symbolic of aspects of his life and some of the materials actually belonged to him. While the symbolism of these works pertains to my father’s life they also draw heavily on themes found in American Work Songs such as “John Henry” and relate to the plight of the everyday working man.