Artist's Abstract

There are patterns inherent in nature, controlled by natural processes and sequences. The world is composed of systems, collections of interacting parts functioning as a whole. There are also occurrences that cannot be explained by a rational pattern; they appear to be random or chance events. For example, weather patterns continually repeat themselves, but those repetitions are never quite the same. While I try to create order in my work, I also recognize nature’s affinity for chaos.

On an individual level, I am ultimately in control of myself and my life. However, I too am susceptible to chance experiences. By manipulating found and derived materials, I am able to gain control of myself and nature. Different materials and textures lend themselves to various levels of controllability. The inexpensive, easy-to-find materials that I use, such as twine and cardboard, are neither perfectly formed nor built to last through time. While the twine is ultimately subject to my wishes, I am at the same time limited by its physical properties. Using materials and marks that are easily repeated, copied, and manipulated visually organizes an object or group of objects, so that I can reveal some aspects of my works while hiding others.

My work deals with the natural tendency towards chaos and the human, personal drive towards control. I attempt to maintain order by repetitively and obsessively creating shapes and objects that are manipulated and that manipulate the viewer while allowing natural variations to take place.

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