ARTIST STATEMENT:

My work follows two general paths, the first being an interest in the relationship between light and form. Incorporating a mixture of classical glazing techniques and thicker pure color techniques, I strive to convey a strong sense of depth and ambiguous space. This path of my work manifests itself in the form of paintings. These paintings explore the human body as a form and how form itself is maintained in the dimmest of light and darkest of values. In this regard, the viewer’s attention is focused on physical features which define the subject of the painting as an individual. In my painting Focused Light: David the subject had been shot in the midsection creating an interesting form to paint and an identifying physical feature unique to David. My paintings, then, become a way of highlighting physical identity while remaining within the context of the natural human form.
The second path of my work consists primarily of manifestations of thoughts on current affairs around the world. In this context, I look to challenge the political symbols which make the world go around. Political symbols can be such things as flags, monuments, leaders of nations, wars, and foreign policies. Bullets are a recurring theme in these works. In my piece Bush in Bullets I use over 900 found bullet casings to create an image of George W. Bush’s face. This stems form my opinion that when people look at George W. Bush they cannot help but think of war. Further, this associates not just his policies with war but his image as well. My aim with these works is to present the viewer with a work which forces them to question their beliefs, participation or lack there of, and propagation of these political themes and to do it in an aesthetically conscious way.
The overriding goal of my artwork is to challenge the viewer’s sense of physical identity and their socio-political position. In doing this I hope to persuade the viewer to confront their own ideas and associations concerning the world around them.

Exhibitions/Awards:

2008 The Price of Milk, Sliding Door Gallery, Denver CO
2007 44th Annual Student Show, Phillip J Steele Gallery, Rocky Mountain College of Art
and Design, Denver, Co.
2006 43rd Annual Student Show, Phillip J. Steele Gallery, Rocky Mountain College of Art
and Design, Denver, Co.
2005 42nd Annual Student Show, Phillip J. Steele Gallery, Rocky Mountain College of Art
and Design, Denver, Co.
2004 41st Annual Student Show, Phillip J. Steele Gallery, Rocky Mountain College of Art
and Design, Denver, Co.