|
|
 |
I
paint images that are biological abstractions of insects, skin, fossils
and microscopic organisms, using beeswax, sediment, ashes, acrylic and
raw pigments. Many of these pieces are preserved or captured in a
fragile state of disintegration, like fossils. The action of
layering sediments and pigments is similar to geologic structures slowly
formed over time. In other paintings, the images are encapsulated in the
liquid medium, usually hot beeswax. The gestation process of creating
the paintings, and watching the images emerge from the materials,
resembles the growth of natural organisms. |
 |
“Exoskeletons” features cicada exoskeletons pinned to the
wall in a grid formation. From a distance, the piece appears to be
pinned insects, closer inspection reveals the grub shells that the
cicadas hatch out of, during the natural molting process. On even closer
inspection, it is possible to see the diversity and uniqueness of each
individual cicada in the intricate details imprinted on the
exoskeletons, including the wing veins, claws, and eyes. The
installation is created with cicadas that are often used in natural
medicine, and explores how we attempt to control and harness nature, and
also of the inherent chaos that occurs within a structured system. |
 |
The nails installations are installed by throwing the
objects rather violently at the wall. This chaotic method of
installation reflects our inability to control natural phenomenon in
spite of our scientific efforts to recreate and harness biological
organisms. The objects are made using barbed carpet tacks tied or welded
into clusters that are indicative of many patterns in nature, such as
thorns or fish spines which are used by organisms for protection – to
repel intruders in a hostile environment. The sculptures resemble
microorganisms, pollen, spores and creatures which have the power to
affect our physical well-being. |
 |
“Organism” The first of these installations was created
using the daily coffee filters from a month-long Djerassi residency. The
installation slowly grew on the walls of the studio as the days passed,
and reflected on daily rituals and on how what we ingest affects our
mood and physical well-being. Continuing on with the process, these
installations evolved into larger colonies, clusters and aberrations of
natural organisms such as kelp beds or fungi. |
|