Artist Statement

I recently updated my artist statement for a proposal and thought I would share!  My artworks explore the interface between participant, viewer, and subject, resulting in immersive works that compel change. They are process oriented, drawing from relevant environmental and social issues. The finished artworks themselves are multi-layered, pulling the viewer in. The underlying collaboration and community participation is Art in Action.

In my work, the subject matter drives the medium. What links my work is the inclusion of many people in its creation, the goal of engaging viewers and inspiring change, and challenging them to relate to the subject matter in a new way.

Working collaboratively allows for a project that is much larger and wider of scope than any I could do alone. These projects give ownership to all involved, and inspire the viewer through the story of their creation. There are countless layers woven into the pieces, compelling the viewer to delve deeper, if they so choose.

When exploring a new concept, I take in all of the ideas and possibilities, spin them through my Artist Self and ground them in my experience. I then get out of the way and let the ideas flow through from the Source.

My current project focuses on the dichotomy of consumer food waste culture (we throw away nearly 40% of the food we grow), our rapidly changing climate, and hunger. Together with people in my community, many of whom are directly impacted by hunger, and most vulnerable to climate change, we will explore the reasons behind the waste and possibilities to shift away from waste into Plenty. We will use art to empower ourselves, each other, and our greater community to make a stand. The physical end result will be a permanent exterior installation at the new food bank in Lacey, WA, designed and created collaboratively by over 1,000 people. There it will be a beacon of hope, a testament of strength, a…

Thus begins the story. The shape it will take as yet unknown. The process itself Art in Action.