Download Artist Statement
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A canvas invokes visions of works to come--junk-piles become treasure troves, magazines become images of lovers. When I am creating art, I enter another realm—a place of introspection, lust, and intensity. Creating is an outlet for fears, angers, philosophies, and a direct expression of self and constant questioning.
Pulling simultaneously from the narrative to the abstract, I work in mixed media—from found objects to oil paints, plaster gauze to human hair. Using a combination of vibrant colors, disjointed brushstrokes, strong lines and drawing, works combine to overrun the canvas—a metaphorical struggle to pull away from foundations.
Often interpreted as discomforting, yet intriguing, much of my work deals with womanhood, sexuality and personal identity. I explore myself as an object of desire/non-desire, as a self-perceived schizophrenic, and as a complexity trap. My images provoke movement to and from places, roles, and expectations, as I use the metamorphosis of the body to exhibit constraints on mobility.
Expanding beyond the canvas, I have been exploring the involvement of the audience in performance, installation and public art. These pieces challenge the viewer to enter into a temporary world, often filled with the contrasts of metaphorical pleasure and pain.
As my work develops, I have noticed seesawing signs of aging: my own increasing comfort with my body and the persisting harshness of self-image. Many works create a cocoon-like feeling, imposing simultaneously comfort and discomfort in images—simultaneous vulnerability and strength. Through the weaving of diverse storylines, current work is challenging me to break internal boundaries between two of my lives: sustainable development, women’s leadership and the environment, and the creative visual/visceral experience.
Exhibits-Solo Shows
2009
"i am NOT who you want me to be", Lucas Carrieri Art Gallery, Berlin
Solo show of recent paintings and installation/performance piece.
2008
“Double Vision, Triple Life”, Let It Bleed, Berlin, Germany
Show of new paintings and collage focusing on self-portraiture and the artists’ multiple roles in life
“Sonhos Intensivos”, Bar Bar, Natal, Brazil
Show of new paintings focusing on dialogues between NYC and Brazil, relationships and estrangement
2006
“Brasil Longings”, Mama B’s, Brooklyn, NY
Show of new paintings focusing on self-discovery and lost relationships
2001
“Unknown Paths: Choice and Chance”, Hotweather Gallery, Charlottesville, VA
Collection of new paintings and sculpture
“Letting Go”, Freespace, Charlottesville, VA
Performance & Installation
2009
“Are you with me right now?”, Luxx, Berlin
Performance art and installation piece with Mad Kate (Berlin)
“i am NOT who you want me to be”,
Lucas Carrieri Art Gallery, Berlin
Envoy Gallery, NY, NY
Performance art and installation piece with Mad Kate (Berlin)
“Open Dialogues, Closed Minds”, Chelsea Studios, NY, NY
A public dialogue on image, sex and womanhood
2008
“Brooklyn Dreams”, Stain, Brooklyn, NY
Fifty-foot permanent wall mural of Brooklyn cityscape
2007
“Nesting Memories”, Stuyvesant Cove Park, NY, NY
Interactive public installation on the East River in a city public park
“We Grow”, Williamsburg Bridge, NY, NY
Large graffiti/stencil piece on plaque for bridge walkway
“Guiltees” Dumbo Arts Festival, Brooklyn, NY
Interactive advocacy art to “guilt” participants into reducing carbon emissions
Deitch Art Parade NY, NY
Performance in Hrafnhildur Arnardottir AKA Shoplifter’s, Siamese Rapunzuls: The World's Longest Multi Human Hair Braid
2006
“Love Trials”, Mission Dolores Park, San Francisco, California
Interactive public installation in city public park to mimic the trials and obstacles of relationships
Group Shows
2009
“Guaranteed Good”, Leo Kesting Gallery, New York, New York
“SEXFLIES”, IGBildente Kunst Gallery, Vienna, Austria
2007
“We Miss You and We Love You”, Solar One, NY, NY
2005
“Here and Now”, KaplaKesting Fine Art, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY
“Closet Love” The Macy Gallery, NY, NY
2003
“Vulnerability”, Asterisk Young Artist Project, Brooklyn, NY
“Love Has No Boundaries”, Asterisk Young Artist Project,Brooklyn, NY
“The Big Group Show”, S.U.N. Arts and WAMP Brooklyn, NY
2001
Frank IX Building, Charlottesville VA
Fayerweather Gallery, Charlottesville, VA
2000
“The Really Big Art Show”, Freetime Gallery Charlottesville VA
“Anthropomorphism”, Nature Gallery, Charlottesville, VA
“Animal Attractions”, Virginia Film Festival, Charlottesville, VA
SPEOS Photographic Institute Paris, France
Professional Experience & Education
2010
Webster University, The Netherlands
Professor of art, courses include Studio-Art as Activism
2004
School of Visual Arts NY, NY, Advanced Painting
2003
Abrons Art Center, NY, NY, Ceramics Study
2001
McIntire Department of Art, University of Virginia Charlottesville, VA
Minor in studio art with specialization in painting and mixed media
Honorary Louvre Copyist Program, Louvre National Art Museum, Paris, France
Work study: ‘Pierrot’ by Watteau
Atélier Betsey Damez Paris, France
Specialization in the Wacker copyist method and paint-making from raw pigments
Atélier Marcel Mahu Paris, France
Honors in sculpture work (mediums: clay, plaster, stone)
SPÉOS Paris Photographic Institute, Paris, France
Honors in Black and White Photography
Commissions
Painting
2009 “Umbilical Ties”
“In the Same Cup”
“Togetherness”
2008 “Brooklyn Days”
2006 “The Market”
“Paris”
“Carol”
2004 “Susan and Eric”
