Artist Statement
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Over the last two years, the realities of climate change, violence against women and BIPOC people, and glaring economic inequities have come to the forefront in this country. All have roots in a patriarchal, colonial paradigm that favors white people – especially white men like myself. In my work, I wrestle with the question of how I can make a positive contribution as an artist at this time.
My art, primarily works on and with paper, is the product of this inquiry. In its materials, creative processes, and content, my work aims to address the logic at the root of this paradigm by embracing impermanence and a light footprint over the monumental, humor over self-seriousness, relationships – both between individual pieces and with the viewer - over objects, and multiple subjectivities over a single authoritative viewpoint. Through these means, I invite the viewer to explore social and perceptual possibilities that displace the dominant paradigm.Western materialism has improved human life in many respects, but has also resulted in deep social injustices and a climate catastrophe that threatens our survival and that of other species. In our culture, all objects, whether "art" or not, are collapsed into this worldview and are generally accomplices in its effects. As an artist, I struggle with conflicting urges: to make “more stuff” and to have a positive social and environmental impact – or at least to do no harm. My artwork attempts to resists the “growth as progress” mindset while offering an alternative: one that values the viewer, relationships, the marginal, and a light footprint over the serious, special status of the artist and their works. |