All of my work is an exploration of the awkward meeting of human intent and nature, or the force of life that is beyond human intent. The best analogy I can give for this can be seen in Moundbuilders Country Club Golf course in Newark, Ohio. Moundbuilders Country Club Golf Course is preserving prehistoric Hopewell earthworks. It is a functional sacrilege, preserving what has been largely lost to the plow and urban growth in Ohio. This bringing together of the sacred and profane is at the core of my aesthetic. In my work I look for the sacred in wood grain, the natural and simple forms. Human bungling is found in playful use of glitter, loud color, self conscious paint, and found materials.
My creative process is often in response to wood. When making a piece, I will paint layers of paint, sand through the layers and then stain the wood prior to selecting its’ contrasting piece of old or natural wood. The old wood may have peeling paint, weathered wood grain or old worm holes. New wood is often colorful and smooth. Beyond their visual appeal, they represent the aging process of growth and decay.
From here I decide on the shape and size of the piece, often symmetrical. I want these pieces to touch the wall with sensitivity and allow the viewer to see the hollowness of the form. Sometimes I employ visual illusions, making something appear as it is not. The purpose of this is to heighten the viewers awareness of the moment. Although serious in content, I want the pieces to feel playful.