My work draws attention to idiosyncratic things in the world. By examining mundane situations, I encourage viewers to reconsider ironies found in every day life. While I suggest a point of view, ideally my work simply poses questions for the viewer. I select subjects and themes that I connect with personally, such as loneliness and awkwardness, but that are archetypal in nature. I explore the ways societal values dictate certain behaviors in individuals as well as how individuals can subvert socially codified behaviors regarding gender, class and culture. In particular, I’m interested in examining how geography affects people; my experiences living in the Midwest, the East Coast and Europe have heavily influenced my work.
Although the ideas behind my art are often complex, the work itself often has a childlike aesthetic, with bright complex colors. Although children are associated with vibrant colors, I don’t use primary colors, so the work contains a subtle complexity. The naïveté is intended to make viewers feel safe and let down their guard as it pulls them into the work. Its content, however, explores complex ideas that are both sad and humorous. The comfort the viewer initially experiences is replaced with conflict and tension, but cheerful colors make the content easier to digest.
I use the contemplative quality of art to raise the value of the subject. By putting an object into a new context, I invite the viewer to reconsider ordinary objects as vehicles that reflect something more telling of a culture.
As an interdisciplinary artist, the materials I choose lend themselves to the specific project. Sometimes this leads me to film, photography, painting or drawing.
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