brief statement about my recent work ...

The existence of change is always evident, both in the art realm and in the world at large. Whether it is an ongoing process, or the result of a response to some sort of need, change is without a doubt imbedded into the progress of humanity. Along with this, there are observable flares and calms in the history of change both in our own culture, and in the cultures that make up our world.

Here in America, after the industrial revolution and the current technology boom, we have settled into a fast-paced yet relatively solid routine. Now, faced with political, environmental, and moral challenges, it seems to me that the pressure for change is escalating. I have encountered many individuals who recognize both the benefits and the drawbacks of our seemingly impenetrable political system and our world leading economic market. It appears that there will always be those who are accepting of our current materialistic existence. However, this settlement meets surmounting opposition. I also, do not feel settled. I believe the time we live will see a great transition, whether or not we predict and direct it. So the questions I always ask myself are, “What can I do about this?” “What can one individual do to help?”

I believe that artists play a very large role in both the exposition and evaluation of society. Art serves as a vehicle for education and expression, and artists have the ability to facilitate change. I also believe the first step in change to be one of exposing the truth about the situation at hand. Therefore, I see my personal role, and the role of artists of all types as being one of honestly evaluating the world we live in. The concept of honest assessment is something that is always present in my mind when I create my work. My goal is to promote this type of evaluation to our society, to make people stop and look at the world they live in and to question, honestly, whether or not their patterns, and those at large, are worth following. I think it is important that everyone realize that their individual sphere is the same one shared by everyone.

My most recent work has focused on the individuals that live within my immediate sphere. Daily, I find myself noticing the attitudes, mannerisms, and personas of those around me. I wonder where each fits within this huge puzzle of existence; and where they see themselves in the race of life. I wonder about the personal lives, beliefs and values of the people I come across: what they are thinking, where they are going, and how similar they are to myself. For most of my life, teachers have been on the forefront of my influence. On occasion, I find myself thinking more about why a professor is saying something rather than absorbing the content. I wonder how their thoughts relate to their opinions about the present situation, trying to picture the world from their perspective. But not all interaction has the opportunity to happen on such a personal level. Sometimes I just notice a passerby, seemingly lost in his or her own thoughts that very well may be the same as my own. I believe we are all very similar creatures and I realize the significance of where I stand and of how small I am in this ever-changing world.