About my work...
My art work makes ironic and humorous commentary on aspects of our culture. Most recently my work has been inspired by indicators of climate change, including the increasing frequency and strength of storms and the changing ranges of native and invasive species. My past work has looked at gun culture, genetically modified foods, alternative energy, and artificial intelligence.
I have a background in photography but I explore many mediums to express my ideas. In my recent work, exhibiting the physical sculptural objects made from fabric that is repurposed or printed with photographic imagery or working with the physicality of photograms has been a compelling counterpoint to a flood of disinformation.
Invasive Species Cyanotypes
Scientists are keeping a close watch on invasive species as ecosystems adapt to warmer temperatures. Invasive species are often are quick to outcompete native species in disturbed ecosystems and their strategies overcoming the changing climate might prove useful. With the help of the Finger Lakes Institute and some observant friends, I’ve been collecting samples to make direct prints of invasive species on cyanotype coated paper.
In 1843, Anna Atkins published the first book illustrated by photographs, Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions. Her work added to the visual knowledge of botanists as they catalogued and classified species. The act of preserving species classified as "invasive" in the Cyanotype process draws parallels to Atkins' work in the 19th century and emphasizes how warmer temperatures are remaking our ecosystems.
Below is a clip from a virtual gallery walk through at State of the Art Gallery.
Stuffed Storms
Higher planetary temperatures are believed to contribute to the formation and ferocity of storms over the oceans. The Stuffed Storms are a visual representation of Atlantic Hurricane Seasons, allowing the viewer to physically see the season laid out before them in three dimensional objects. I create each storm in the season by printing satellite imagery of the storm onto fabric and creating a form that is stuffed, quilted, and embroidered with the storm's name. There are currently two seasons, 2020 and 2021.
Below is a clip from a virtual gallery walk through at State of the Art Gallery.
Sand Animation
Dust and particulate matter driven on powerful air systems can affect the quality of life and health of populations thousands of miles from the source. The effect of climate change on dust storms is still being studied, but in recent years the quantity and severity of dust storms has been notable. In the Dust Storm Animations, I use sand on a lightbox to create stop-motion animations of observed dust storms based on satellite imagery.
Below is a clip from a virtual gallery walk through at State of the Art Gallery.
Dangerous Sentiments
One day when my son was a toddler, I arrived at my son’s daycare to pick him up for an appointment, only to be told that I couldn’t leave because they had a “lockdown” drill in place. On another night, in another month, my daughter woke up with a nightmare that another student had shot her.
I make work about issues that are important to draw attention to, and parenting has drawn my attention to how deeply issues of gun culture have infiltrated our schools. School shooter drills and lockdown practice has taken the place of the "duck and cover" drills of the cold war era, and there is a definite effect on the psychology of young imaginative minds.
The cloth diaper is symbolic of the love and devotion we have for our children. It is soiled, washed, and soiled again, and it retains the marks of its use in its stained surface. By using these layers of sentimental fabric to re-create objects of gun culture, I attempt to capture some of the dissonance of America's fear and love of guns.
Below is a statement made for the Women's March in Seneca Falls.