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Statement
The abstracted figures in my paintings could represent the ambiguity of most human interaction. While some objectivity in life is necessary, the rapid growth of technology and the popularity of online communities is encouraging a disconnect in society. As our focus on the virtual world grows, attention is taken away from our surroundings and the frequency of real interaction with others wanes. The obscured figures in my paintings reflect this growing lack of community in the physical world.
While alienation from one another may be rising, however, our similarities remain. The likeness of my figures' simplified forms, as well as their occasional massing together, in contrast, could be thought of as a metaphor for our unity - that we are all virtually the same beings having the same general human experience - that no matter how little attention we give each other, community is unavoidable and the connections between us are undeniable.
On yet another level, the inability to differentiate some of the figures from one another could be thought to represent the ever-increasing homogeneity of the western world – largely a result of the constantly growing power of media. Not only are we paying less attention to those around us, we are also becoming less distinguishable from one another.
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Upcoming:
The next issue of "Creative Quarterly" (#16) will include a section on me and my work. In addition, they have chosen one of my photographs for the cover of the magazine. You can pick up a copy at your local Barnes and Noble or Borders starting late September. Or can also view the entire issue online at cqjournal.com very soon.
Also in September I will be participating in "Artprize." This is a pretty major competition (with major prize money) taking place in Grand Rapids, Michigan, from September 23rd through October 7th. You can learn more at artprize.org . On the Artrpize homepage, click on "Old Federal Building" at the bottom under "Featured Venues" to see my profile. And if you'll be in the Grand Rapids area during that time, go vote for me (at the Old Federal Building) - winners are decided by popular vote! |
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