Artist Statement
My PFD‘s Type I, II, & III exhibition included soft sculptures exploring the idea, form and content of personal flotation devices and the question, "What Keeps You Afloat?" An interactive photo project is also a part of this on-going installation project.
My forms serve as a metaphor for how individuals seek security, precautions and comfort in life.
This installation features the naturally buoyant Ceiba Pentandra Kapok fiber that was primarily used to stuff life preservers, as well as mattress and pillows in the early 1900s until the end of World War II when synthetic foams replaced its use. Other saved fabrics reflecting personal attachments and referencing basic physiological comforts and needs such as sleeping, eating and clothing are also manipulated. The choice of materials raises questions, and inspires a few chuckles, about the stuff and stuffings of life and love.
Stream-of-conscious, automatic “plays on paper” that serve as my creative flotation devices are also often part of my installations. These drawing experiences buoy my spirits and prompt my imagination to react to my direct and indirect mark-making, color choices, layering of elements, and often the influences of Jazz. Taking “a line for a walk” in the manner of Paul Klee and exploring the mystery and magic of improvisation has always been an essential aspect of my studio process. Acting with and reacting to line, shape and color, watching the imagery unfold, and the structure of the composition build are important activities part of my design process. For instance, in the collograph prints I drew over with India Ink markers and pastels, I still notice new forms referencing fissures, cracks, crenellations and inlets revealing my interest in geology and our waterways but also unearthing my concern with the impact of hydraulic fracturing, oil exploration and mining on our planet. In this way my manipulations of both 2D and 3D materials have always been a voyage of mindfulness and discovery. As you look through the images featured on this website I hope you will consider booking an appointment to wear one of my hand-made PFD’s, strike one of your most instinctive poses and reflect on "What stuff keeps you afloat?" Without community participation the PFD’s are incomplete!
Please go to "What Keeps You Afloat" website for information on the most recent community photo/video projects, part of this on-going interactive installation.
My PFD‘s Type I, II, & III exhibition included soft sculptures exploring the idea, form and content of personal flotation devices and the question, "What Keeps You Afloat?" An interactive photo project is also a part of this on-going installation project.
My forms serve as a metaphor for how individuals seek security, precautions and comfort in life.
This installation features the naturally buoyant Ceiba Pentandra Kapok fiber that was primarily used to stuff life preservers, as well as mattress and pillows in the early 1900s until the end of World War II when synthetic foams replaced its use. Other saved fabrics reflecting personal attachments and referencing basic physiological comforts and needs such as sleeping, eating and clothing are also manipulated. The choice of materials raises questions, and inspires a few chuckles, about the stuff and stuffings of life and love.
Stream-of-conscious, automatic “plays on paper” that serve as my creative flotation devices are also often part of my installations. These drawing experiences buoy my spirits and prompt my imagination to react to my direct and indirect mark-making, color choices, layering of elements, and often the influences of Jazz. Taking “a line for a walk” in the manner of Paul Klee and exploring the mystery and magic of improvisation has always been an essential aspect of my studio process. Acting with and reacting to line, shape and color, watching the imagery unfold, and the structure of the composition build are important activities part of my design process. For instance, in the collograph prints I drew over with India Ink markers and pastels, I still notice new forms referencing fissures, cracks, crenellations and inlets revealing my interest in geology and our waterways but also unearthing my concern with the impact of hydraulic fracturing, oil exploration and mining on our planet. In this way my manipulations of both 2D and 3D materials have always been a voyage of mindfulness and discovery. As you look through the images featured on this website I hope you will consider booking an appointment to wear one of my hand-made PFD’s, strike one of your most instinctive poses and reflect on "What stuff keeps you afloat?" Without community participation the PFD’s are incomplete!
Please go to "What Keeps You Afloat" website for information on the most recent community photo/video projects, part of this on-going interactive installation.
