Artist Statement
The source of my art practice is my exploration of intimate geographies. One definition of geography is “the study of places and the relationships between people and their environments.” (National Geographic) I am intrigued by those relationships. What do we take and what do we give when we inhabit a space? How do our places - from living rooms to water sheds - connect us? Divide us? What is the relationship between native and invasive? What does it mean to be rooted?
I am interested in the power of art to nurture conversations - to enter us into relationships with lands and stories not our own. In my work I try to create points of connection at which to initiate those conversations. I hope that in sharing my own stories that are grounded in places I invite all of us to consider our roots and how they intertwine. I am also trying to open wide a door to the art making process. I like to collaborate by creating space in my projects for people to contribute their own stories, make their own marks, and recognize their place in a larger geography.
The materials I use have changed dramatically as I have become aware of their impact. It turns out that “archival” isn’t necessarily a good thing! In 2019 I stopped buying acrylic paints, choosing to work with paper, graphite, oil pastels and water-based media. (In the interest of zero waste I still sometimes use the acrylics already in my orbit.) In 2023 I began playing with making my own pigments and inks using everything from invasive tamarisk to gleanings from my compost bin. It’s challenging for me to change course and I’m unsure where this new path will take me, but I appreciate that my shift towards homegrown materials requires me to connect with the land around me as I begin each day’s work.
Ultimately, my goal is to make art that respects and includes the stories and geographies that surround me and that helps to connect me with those people and places.