F71-4
There is a definite evolution of self and work as an artist develops. Upon completion of my master of fine arts and return to the Midwest, I realized a prominent growth and realization of myself and my artwork. During my undergraduate studies, I believed myself to be a ‘photographer’ and focused primarily on technique. At the graduate level of studies in visual art, I began to take a more philosophical approach and question everything. Why do I create? How do I create? What am I trying to communicate? Rather than following the rules, I questioned and formed my own establishment of ideals. It was during this practice, this time, I believed myself to be an ‘artist’ rather than a ‘photographer’ and expanded my didactic tendencies of thought. The above transformation of self was overwhelmingly liberating. I explore and continue to investigate all possible ideas, functions, and existence.
Existing within a community of interdisciplinary artists at the graduate level allowed the opportunity to explore various mediums (experimenting with kitsch sculpture while under the influence of John DeFazio - who created miniature sets and the 3D animated mutant toys for the first season of Peewee Herman’s Playhouse). Various other professors and artists greatly influenced my work including that of Doug Hall, John Priola, Reagan Louie, Trisha Donnelly, and Henry Wessel. Overall, I believe my work has evolved in asking more questions and challenging ideals.
What themes are you currently working with, and why?
One of the prominent ideas within the series ‘In my room’ is that of girlhood and related concepts of gender, identity, authority, and environment. I seek to understand our society’s thoughts and practices regarding both children and animals.
How long have you been making art?
In the formal sense, I have been creating art since 2001, about nine years.
How do you feel about the digital revolution and do you shoot digitally at all?
I believe it is important to consider and acknowledge contemporary practices and advancements within the field of photography. I work in analog, photographing with film and then, scan the negatives and make Lightjet prints.
Existing within a community of interdisciplinary artists at the graduate level allowed the opportunity to explore various mediums (experimenting with kitsch sculpture while under the influence of John DeFazio - who created miniature sets and the 3D animated mutant toys for the first season of Peewee Herman’s Playhouse). Various other professors and artists greatly influenced my work including that of Doug Hall, John Priola, Reagan Louie, Trisha Donnelly, and Henry Wessel. Overall, I believe my work has evolved in asking more questions and challenging ideals.
What themes are you currently working with, and why?
One of the prominent ideas within the series ‘In my room’ is that of girlhood and related concepts of gender, identity, authority, and environment. I seek to understand our society’s thoughts and practices regarding both children and animals.
How long have you been making art?
In the formal sense, I have been creating art since 2001, about nine years.
How do you feel about the digital revolution and do you shoot digitally at all?
I believe it is important to consider and acknowledge contemporary practices and advancements within the field of photography. I work in analog, photographing with film and then, scan the negatives and make Lightjet prints.