Artist Statement:
“A paper wasp creates a nest by making spit-based papier-mache, a cave swiftlet bird spins a natural nest from its secretions - are our nuclear power plants, factories, civic buildings, pagodas, sheds, windmills, birdhouses, skyscrapers, and houses really any different? What if nature and architecture are simply a system of ridiculous cause and effect? Intentionally using a variety of technologies real and imagined, my work explores and uncovers an underlying cosmos of the strangeness of nature, and Homo sapiens’ strange nature.
Much of my process starts with stamped relief prints that are used for paintings, drawings or mixed media works. The imagery is derived from a number of sources such as ancient architectural plans of the Hagia Sophia, Roman aqueducts, digital models, found objects and natural animal habitats. These ancient or sometimes modern references are then denied their completion by way of natural design or architectural elements.
Interested in how the “accidental” is used in a controlled manner in the context of the natural world and architecture, the architectural hybrids within the work become concerned with communication instead of just simply creating a shelter for people to inhabit.”
Education
Bachelor of Architecture with Design Honors, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh PA
Master of Fine Arts/Painting , University of the Arts, Philadelphia PA
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