Artist Statement (2016-2019)
My art is an encapsulated moment in time, a footprint left behind. The journey is what fascinates me, carrying me onwards to an unknown destination. Every curve, every line, every detail I create in metal is a new word on the page. When I am in my studio, when I am processing the thought, I am using my craft to produce my vision, I am writing my story.
I am not sure what drives my creation. As I travel, the world presses upon me. I long to express myself without the confinement that is ever present in life. The world around me is distorted and my work brings it into focus. As I create, the external world disappears and I find myself in a universe all my own. Here, I control and create what I want, be who I want, live how I want. My process is freedom taken form.
I am not sure what drives my creation. As I travel, the world presses upon me. I long to express myself without the confinement that is ever present in life. The world around me is distorted and my work brings it into focus. As I create, the external world disappears and I find myself in a universe all my own. Here, I control and create what I want, be who I want, live how I want. My process is freedom taken form.
My foundation builds on elements from my childhood. The time I spent alone, indulging in play and creative pursuits, started this path I am now on. Especially during my early childhood and young adult years, I spent a good deal of time by myself. During these periods of relative isolation, I learned to cope with solitude through acts of creation. At school, I would often spend my time creating small toys out of found objects and trash. While I was at home, I would always be creating and playing with various building sets. My preferred medium as I matured was duct tape and cardboard. Throughout these creative beginnings, I taught myself to think critically within a three dimensional space. Oftentimes, it was in the process of making something that I achieved my desires to play. To create and to play, using my own ideas, instilled in me an endless amount of joy.
My father is an architect. His mind focuses on observing space as a mean to interpret it. My mother is a scientist. She thinks in patterns and observations that can be used to draw conclusions. These analytical minds would be my earliest influencers and would be the ones to begin facilitating my creative endeavors. Elements of my parent’s bled into my childhood. Principles like their: family first oriented mentality, unabashed enthusiasm for holiday festivities, and cultural openness served as |
the basis for my early artistic intentions. As it stands, some of these tenants are still deeply ingrained in me to this day. As with any progression, my own personality and its inevitable influence on my creative process would begin to emerge as I grew.
As my interests matured I began to cultivate an appreciation for art in all forms. The work of Japanese director, animator, and writer Hideaki Anno, would deeply influence my early student work. When I began to refine my artistic tastes, I sought inspiration in the paintings of Zdzislaw Beksinski and the vessels of Cappy Counard. My focus was drastically changed when I became an assistant to the Denver artist Ira Sherman. I learned how to use my artistic skills to approach work in a new light. My eyes opened to a vast amount of possibilities available in my field. Those who have inspired me and my work molded my artistic voice. I am the sum of my experiences and my work is the reflection of who I have become. My mentors counseled me how to traverse the trek ahead. I saw the road they took and learned what I could from their journey. The techniques and skills I gained became my vocabulary. I reflect on my past to know where I have been so I can have a better understanding for where I am going. Moments that change the direction of my journey are what I have chosen to document. They become my path’s markers so that I never lose my way. |
In this seemingly uncontrollable world in which we live, I found I have domain over my creations. The field of metalsmithing gives me the control I desire, the security in permanence, and confidence in the familiar fabrication process. Metal is the foundation I walk upon. I can trust in its strength to keep my footing grounded. From here, I can explore with clear direction and use it as a bridge for my thoughts to traverse into physicality.
My work is a conversation taken form. A response to the moments in my life that matter. A manifestation of my internal dialog. When I begin to discuss a topic, I start with a focused belief. As I explore its depths, I allow the work to progress freely. My understanding on the subject evolves as I work. My conclusion may direct me on a new route entirely, but it is the experimentation, discovery, and practice, which keeps me moving forward.
Although everyone walks their path alone, the interactions I have with others create meaningful impacts on my journey. Knowledge and passion is to be shared in order to assist those in their own pursuits. Community and supportive peer groups have helped to motivate and challenge my artistic development. When I put my work into the public sphere, I do so because I wish to share what I have discovered. The feedback and response I receive, both positive and negative, helps me grow. What I have learned through my work reveals new insights about myself.
What I seek is understanding, not from others but from myself. What I pursue during this lifelong journey is self-discovery. The footprints I leave behind are the evidence of my progression. I seek to learn about the side of me that pushes me to move forward. Why I am an artist. Why I create. Why I continue on my path. I often create reflections of myself so that I may have a better perspective of who I am. The process of creation, introspection, and reflection, keeps me heading in the right direction.
My work is a conversation taken form. A response to the moments in my life that matter. A manifestation of my internal dialog. When I begin to discuss a topic, I start with a focused belief. As I explore its depths, I allow the work to progress freely. My understanding on the subject evolves as I work. My conclusion may direct me on a new route entirely, but it is the experimentation, discovery, and practice, which keeps me moving forward.
Although everyone walks their path alone, the interactions I have with others create meaningful impacts on my journey. Knowledge and passion is to be shared in order to assist those in their own pursuits. Community and supportive peer groups have helped to motivate and challenge my artistic development. When I put my work into the public sphere, I do so because I wish to share what I have discovered. The feedback and response I receive, both positive and negative, helps me grow. What I have learned through my work reveals new insights about myself.
What I seek is understanding, not from others but from myself. What I pursue during this lifelong journey is self-discovery. The footprints I leave behind are the evidence of my progression. I seek to learn about the side of me that pushes me to move forward. Why I am an artist. Why I create. Why I continue on my path. I often create reflections of myself so that I may have a better perspective of who I am. The process of creation, introspection, and reflection, keeps me heading in the right direction.