Artist Statement

INSPIRATION

I see art as a uniting force. It is this silent but universal language that transcends all borders, race, politics and religion. This sentiment carries through in every project I work on. It isn’t enough for an artist to be inspired, it is how they use that inspiration. If they can take that personal vision and turn it around to inspire the world around them, only then have they been successful.

ARTWORK

I was always very drawn to anatomical studies and this is evident in my work. The physical, emotional and symbolic dissection of my subject matter greatly affects the research and process of my work. It even affects the physical nature of the work as I often “dissect” and re-construct the canvas itself.

Each piece is the story of a study. Some works are literal dissections and clearly based on scientific research. Others take on a more symbolic approach as I dissect a feeling, emotion or action within our society.

The use of mirror-writing in my work is something I developed in childhood while studying Da Vinci. It became a way to keep my journals private from my eight sisters and brothers. I often create windows of writing or layer text directly over the imagery. I use literature significant to the piece such as personal journal entries and my artistic notes, or lines from poetry and song lyrics. I find that layering reversed text defines the work through word, yet doesn’t call upon to be read immediately…..or even ever.

While my subject matter varies from extremely personal to controversially political, I always strive to retain a sense of intimacy with the viewer. I tap into personal experience to reveal my innermost feelings with onlookers. My goals are to form a connection between the viewer and the art to add unity, dialogue and beauty to the visual art world.