STATEMENT 2011

Both the undersea world and the global urban/rural environments reflect the ongoing clash/coexistence between the industrial and the natural worlds. There is a dependent but often uncomfortable relationship with industry, in particular those that impact the environment.

To address this concern, I create a circular format out of individual puzzle pieces, reflecting our interdependence, interconnectedness, and continuity. There is ongoing movement, morphing and interaction between the organic and the metal shapes (tools, hardware, pipes and conduits).

To begin, I cut out irregularly shaped wood panels and then use automatic writing, making gestural calligraphic marks that reflect the movement of my arm/body as I move across the surface of the panels. The imagery results from the rhythm and suggestions of the black marks on the white surface. The objects reference engine parts, industrial tools, and personal objects. Most recent are the under sea forms; in these I address the degradation and loss of natural habitats due to overexploitation (e.g. deep-sea trawling in seamounts, or oil spills).

I collect crushed tailpipes and other metal detritus found in alleys and streets, which assist in my visual thinking. An important source for the sea creatures is the recently published World Ocean Census, A Global Survey of Marine Life.