F45-6
Well obviously I am freaked out by it all. I was brought up to live simply (Quakerism) and it has always made me conscious of the effect of my life upon others. I see a dilemma in being an artist in that I am always adding to the crap in the world. I take comfort in the theory that there is a finite amount of energy and matter in the world, therefore we are not really adding anything—just transforming what is already there. Maybe we can transform it back!
How has the living in the digital age affected this work in particular?
I am into low- tech when it comes to medium so there is little effect on the process of making it. In terms of gaining an audience it is great to connect with people all over the world and be efficient about sharing information. Also Kanye West blogged about my jewelry and trash piles and that’s cool!
What do you think about Los Angeles becoming more of an art mecca in recent years?
I think it’s awesome. The city is a simulacre of contradiction. It has all this beauty and drama of nature existing simultaneously with rampant development and seedy concrete wastelands. This contrast reveals an honest picture of modern life to me and is very conducive to making art. I like the privacy of my house where I can hear roosters and coyotes and mockingbirds. Los Angeles is good for artists in that it leaves them alone to figure stuff out and yet when they are ready to be seen there is a supportive and enthusiastic audience out there waiting for them. It’s a surprisingly friendly art scene.