Exhibition Statement
Art is my therapy, and a way for me to confront my demons as well as to focus on the pleasures and happiness I find in my life. For this reason it is my intention to create works that express my emotions, come to terms with my past, and aid me as I move toward the future.
Books are very special to me. They are vessel and protector to the words or images inside, but they also conceal. You really don’t know what, if anything, is to be found until you make the effort to discover. Blank books are full of potential and can be a place to share one’s most private thoughts or to announce the greatest of ideas. The weight and feel of a well-made book is comforting, strong, and intimate. The process of making such a book is also very relaxing, taking great care as I craft every detail, making sure the construction is solid and good, and worthy of whatever is to be placed inside. While working my mind does not drift to the troubles of everyday life, but remains fixed on the tasks at hand. I do not concern myself so much with the end result, but rather focus on each step in the process.
While books are a method for me to relax, focus, and express my thoughts more privately, my block prints exist to open myself up to the world. Though left to the interpretation of the viewer, every piece has a personal significance that I felt was important enough to share. The colors are chosen and some papers are personally handmade to best convey a specific emotion or intent. While achieving my vision is important for all of my prints, the process can not be overlooked. Like my books, I find a state of peace while carving the plate and prefer to work with wood as a way of connecting myself to the earth. But due to the personal nature of my prints I am very aware of the subject matter at all times. I work with caution not in hopes of creating the best product that I can, but because I wish to honor and preserve the memories and feelings that I try to express.
Although perfection is always my goal I know full well that it is impossible. We will always make mistakes in life and regardless of how hard we try we cannot change the past. It is for this reason that when an error occurs, despite my greatest efforts, that it be left alone. The flaws have become part of the artwork and document my existence.
