artist statement
There is a raw energy harnessed in my sketch books that serve as a way to filter my beliefs and life experiences. I don’t try refine these sketches to suit a specific style, instead I attempt to tap into a deeper understanding of myself and others. My struggle to claw out of the lower class was a reoccurring theme in my work, but now I find with America’s shrinking middle class, they are all joining me in copious amounts of debt, so the imagery should have larger meaning.
I use child-like imagery and while my work has been exhibited, the imagery carries more weight on the street. Recently I have begun to create stickers of these paintings, and hand them out to the general public. There are hand-written rules on what not to do with the sticker on the back of each one, such as “Do not post on street signs” or “Do not post on cop cars.” My hope, however, is that some people will decide to deliberately break these rules-- as well as some other rules—looking at my “admonitions” as suggestions.
By giving viewers a chance to rebel, it not only forces them to think but it gives them the opportunity to act on these thoughts if they feel so inclined. I feel like the rules being hand-written help bring the sticker holder to the conclusion that it is what I want them to do, though I would like them to make that decision on their own.
