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A central theme in my work is the interconnectivity between all
things in nature. I explore this idea by taking disparate natural
elements - human, animal and botanical, and weaving them together
to create new forms. My work also draws from a deep connection I
feel with the art of ancient civilizations, particularly Pre-Columbian,
Egyptian and Hindu. I am intrigued by how art in the ancient past
was used as a way to connect with otherworldly realms and to represent
beings that dwelled there. I experience the creation of my work
as playing in this ancient tradition of making objects that represent
such otherworldly beings or deities, and in the process, am allowing
my own mythology to emerge along with suggested narratives.
I intentionally create an element of ambiguity in my work to allow
for a myriad of interpretations. While the creatures could be understood
as beings from other dimensions or the deities of an ancient civilization,
they could also be seen as characters from a dreamscape, or the
unintended result of genetic engineering.
Although I initially began exploring these themes as a painter,
my work gradually evolved into a process in which I combine sculpture
and digital photography. I refer to this process as "sculptography."
In this process I use my own sculptures as a primary subject matter
in my photographs. I create the sculptures using clay, resin and
acrylic paint. I integrate the sculpture into a natural environment
which I then photograph, incorporating various elements of the landscape
into the composition and narrative. I work with the seasonal variations,
different terrains, and various elements that nature provides, such
as rocks, water, branches, foliage, etc. Locations have included
the woods of rural Connecticut and the mountains of upstate New
York.
Travel has served as a tremendous source of inspiration in my work.
I was profoundly inspired by a trip to South India, where I visited
temple complexes with extraordinary carvings and sculptures. Also
deeply inspiring have been trips to Mexico and Guatemala where I
had opportunities to view the ruins and sculpture of Mayan and other
indigenous civilizations.
Important contemporary influences on my work include Ana Mendieta
and Andy Goldsworthy and their collaborations with nature. I am
also inspired by the whimsical quality of Tom Otterness' work as
well as Charles Simmonds' sculptures reminiscent of Native American
cliff dwellings.
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