Studies and Frameworks
Now I Lay Me Down
Unknown Histories of Found Material and Layers of Ennui
Monroe 1
2023
Enamel and Thread on Bed Linen
18.5" x 20"
Bio
For over three decades, my artistic journey has been focused on the interplay between absurd realism and the innate human need to make marks. Through a process of layering, scratching, adding, smearing and staining I create visual narratives that delve into allegories, mythologies, and profane depictions. Working with items found on the office supply shelves or bedding sections at thrift stores, I employ discarded objects to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. I endeavor to elevate that which was disposable and share histories that are unknown.
Reality, with all its contradictions and paradoxes, serves as the foundation for my work. I aim to challenge conventional understanding of the world, peeling back the layers of ordinary perception to reveal hidden dimensions that lie beneath. By juxtaposing seemingly unrelated elements and ideas, I create compositions that provoke contemplation and invite viewers to question the boundaries of their own taste and reality.
Layering and removing stains form a crucial part of the process. As I build up layers of paint or ink, I create a visual palimpsest, each stratum representing a moment in time and an evolution of thought. Through the deliberate removal of stains, I unearth hidden narratives, revealing what lies beneath the surface. This process mirrors the way we navigate life, continually adding and erasing, searching for meaning amidst the complexity of existence.
I find a sense of liberation and resourcefulness in working with thrifted office supplies. The mundane objects become conduits for exploration and self-expression. By repurposing these discarded artifacts, I invite viewers to reimagine their own environments and question the value we ascribe to the everyday.
I invite viewers to embark on a visual journey that blurs the boundaries between the known and the unknown. In doing so, I hope spark curiosity, encouraging contemplation and dialogue about the multifaceted nature of our shared human experience.
Now I Lay Me Down
Shoreline 1
2023
Enamel and Thread on Bed Linen
18.5" x 20"
Shoreline 2
2023
Enamel and Thread on Bed Linen
18.5" x 20"
Shoreline 3
2023
Enamel and Thread on Bed Linen
18.5" x 20"
Shoreline 4
2023
Enamel and Thread on Bed Linen
18.5" x 20"
UDistrict 1
2023
Enamel and Thread on Bed Linen
18.5" x 20"
UDistrict 2
2023
Enamel and Thread on Bed Linen
18.5" x 20"
Bellevue 1
2023
Enamel and Thread on Bed Linen
18.5" x 20"
Bellevue 2
2023
Enamel and Thread on Bed Linen
18.5" x 20"
Shoreline and Bellevue
2023
Enamel and Thread on Bed Linen
18.5" x 20"
Renton 1
2023
Enamel and Thread on Gnome Material
20" x 25.5"
Tacoma 1
2023
Enamel on Bed Linen
25" x 34.5"
Tacoma 2
2023
Enamel on Bed Linen
25" x 34.5"
Tacoma Golden 1
2023
Enamel and Glitter on Bed Linen
30" x 36"
Monroe1
2023
Enamel and Thread on Bed Linen
18.5" x 20"