Landscape Memories
This body of work has evolved from my exploration to find an art form that is truly western; rooted in our landscape in our present time. I’m exploring a combination of abstraction and realism. My works with photos are based on a pure form of realism, a photograph I have taken. The abstraction comes from the patina of the metal and the colors and textures of the panels that I use to evoke feelings or memories I had for that place.
These pieces are about Memories held by a place – the earth and soil and the Memories we hold and alter over time. Growing up all over the Western United states in a semi-nomadic childhood I have always been attracted to the vastness and loneliness of the land. I combine simple black and white landscape photographs, patina metal, and deep color and texture to give these works a roughness and age. Each aspect of these pieces also represents my exploration of the aesthetic concept known to the Japenese as "Wabi-Sabi", relating to the beauty evoked by natural processes, age, impermanence, rustic imperfection and earthy unpretentiousness.
Within the Landscape Memory group I continue to develop separate abstract series inspired by aspects of the natural landscape. ‘Subterranean Horizon’ series are works based upon a section cut through the earth. ‘Prayer for the Sun and Moon’ series are works exploring the spiritual power of the two most dominant bodies in the sky. ‘Faults’ are inspired by a forceful fracturing and splintering of the ground creating a type of ying/yang. ‘Star Charts’ are inspired by man’s early attempts to map the stars.
I am drawn to the physical process of making each object – the woodwork, the metal work, the photography and especially creating the colors and textures. I revel in the applying of many layers, removing and re-applying, the carving into the plaster, paint and wax on my hands and the physical movement – the blending of sculpting, drawing and painting.