Thinking about paper as subject not object in recent collage works
Lately, I’ve been drawn to collage again. I’ve been thinking a lot about how my rice paper overlays create a focus on subject versus paper as an object upon which to transfer a monotype-painting. My artwork still focuses on one’s ongoing familiarity with internal and external consciousness. I have developed a body of work that uses (generally) circle-based compositions to dialogue with how memory is managed. I prefer abstract art as it allows for a freedom of expression that figurative depiction does not accommodate for me. My artwork primarily consists of what I think of as hybrid monotype-paintings transferred from silicone plates onto paper. More recently, I have also started to create some collage work highlighting painted rice paper with acrylic paint and or gloss medium which is then mounted on my unsuccessful monotype-paintings to transform them into something new and successful. This moves my work from paper as object to paper as subject.
As with aged graffiti-covered walls, layer upon layer, my creative process with both types of paper-based artworks is about exploring the progression of color and shape with the embrace of unpredictable movements and combinations. My creative work documents patterns, forms, and depth in the spaces where we store our consciousness. I work with abstract forms and spaces because I believe this is the best conduit to representing how we manage memory. My artworks riff off of Gertrude Stein’s saying “endless variation, infinite repetition.” Over time, my work layers feelings, situations and also something alive from my life as well. My hope is that my artwork helps people to conjure questions about the ebb and flow of consciousness - what obfuscates memory, what memories shine through and what memories meld together in the present moment.
I hope you will enjoy this gallery of recent collage works, all of which are available for purchase at either Four Eleven Gallery online or in person at their storefront in Provincetown - or in my studio - contact information here.
