Overview

In my work I practice seeing as a way of rediscovering my environment. Connecting others and myself to experiences in nature is the basis of my work. These connections begin as research and my personal questioning concerning our consumption as a society. Parallel to my research is the investigation of my material.

The materials I work with are transformed by carefully understanding their properties. Creating the unexpected out of a material is one way I challenge not only myself but also the eyes of the viewer. A large part of the work that I create is based on processes. I start with one base unit that accumulates into a larger form. The process is constantly changing and developing. My pieces tend to be extremely tedious and repetitive. I am drawn to the concept of assembly lines and the ways in which factories operate by producing masses of a product through planned processes. In many ways my process references both the life cycle of natural and man made objects. Through my work I try to transform my materials in a way that makes the viewer question the way we impact our environment.

In 2008, I create a body of work that researched and analyzed the industrial history of Baltimore. It began by investigating the space within an abandoned building in the city and its history. This became a series of works, entitled 4500 Fait Ave. A discovery of a huge source of newsprint in the building resulted in my desire to address the issues of recycling, waste and the history of the material. Through my interaction with this newsprint I became deeply involved in understanding the history of the empty space that, at the time, was only occupied by wasted materials. I began researching where each material could have possibly come from by studying the use of space since it?s initial existence. The building was created in the 1940s and used for various functions such as a railroad station, trucking facility, and international storage business. My involvement with this building strengthened my knowledge of the community the building resided in which is known as Greektown. It broaden my understanding of the industrial history in Baltimore specifically that of steel production as a livelihood and way of life effecting the formation of communities in the city.

After discovering that the building was in the process of being demolished and redeveloped I felt it was my responsibility to utilize the materials left in the abandoned space. I gathered and transported some of these discarded materials for use in installations and relief sculptures. In addition I created a website called 4500 Fait Ave (http://4500faitave.blogspot.com) that documented the research I have gathered through this investigation. My hope in creating this website is to allow members of the community to further discuss the redevelopment of the area that is underway and the destruction of historical buildings in the city.

Overview

Exhibition in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Overview

Overview

Over the last two years, I have accumulated over a year worth of time spent in Brazil. It has given me the opportunity to not only grow as an artist but challenge myself by becoming immersed in another culture. It also has been an opportunity to connect with family living in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil who have been a part of my life since I was young but now at a much deeper level.

The first body of work about Brazil titled, Conectado, was created in collaboration with artist May Wilson and in conjunction with the annual Viva Brasil dance party held at the Creative Alliance in celebration of Carnival. Conectado invites viewers to create a new visual identity of Rio by exploring the streets and interacting with the urban landscape. This kind of exploration is essential to the making of this work and these experiences are recreated for the viewer. Material choices reflect metaphors, connect deeper meaning and connect viewers to Brazil.

Upon entering the gallery space the viewer is confronted with "Abundance," a massive, cylindrical piece stacked floor to ceiling. Constructed of pallets and tree trunks, this serves as the armature for a chaotic web of telephone wires that extend across the ceiling space, enveloping the structure of the ceiling. "Rua Differente" is a projection of Google Maps that walk viewers through famous streets around the city. "Vending" a series of sculptures hanging from hooks on different racks inspired by the transient vendors that board public transit between stops throughout the city.

Overview

While living in Goiânia, Brazil for 3 months in Fall 2011, I created new work using an everyday material unique to this city. About 200,000 people a day travel along their metro bus and since I grew accustomed to the route I saw how much waste accumulated. I began collecting the bus tickets from the different terminals on the route. This series of work was created in reference to my experiences during traveling around the city via this public transit.

Overview

A series of marquetry pieces that were created during a residency in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil with Artist Katie Hall. The series represents sights around the state of Rio de Janeiro.

Overview