Artist Statement:

In a turbulent world, where humanity is constantly ripping itself apart, my artwork seeks to understand human individualism while simultaneously recognize a limited application of collectivism and universalism. It is my intent to honor uniqueness yet express a sense of shared oneness and worldly singularity. Our primal sameness, our harmonious human synonymy is our individuality. The fact that we each are distinctively one-of-a-kind categorically consolidates us into a group. Likewise, for every human, bodily vulnerability and its inevitable decay are a fact of life. Thus, no body and nobody ever escapes eventual death. This IS our communal singular fate. Furthermore, for every human being there exist unanswerable questions that defy humanity’s best intellectual investigations or intensive reasonings. We do not know everything and therefore all exist contemplating complex, unknown unknowns and unsolved solutions. In more ways than one, we are all connected, threaded together, each seeking belonging, understanding, and purpose. In the end, we are all simply human.

My creative research examines the minute intricacies of the biological human body as well as explores more abstract and enigmatic theories that may intersect it. My practice often intertwines two-dimensional and three-dimensional media, blending traditional art techniques with varied digital components or 21st-century technological processes. The result is a highly interdisciplinary artistic practice. I primarily work with the figurative form. I view it as a timeless art historical object that offers an innate psychologically affective capability and relatable design to introduce oneself to one’s self. My hope is to generate a subjective and introspective visual art experience that ultimately alludes to the inevitable intertwined and interdependent nature of humankind and life. I find courage and empathy as well as a renewed sense of human compassion and benevolence in the celebration of the individual and the suggested idea of a global oneness.

(Please Note Image and Description of Artist Statement Below)

Above Image: I purposefully redact most of my artist statements during any exhibition or presentation. Here is a rough example of what it might look like regarding the included Artist Statement with this application.

SAMPLE COURSE OFFERINGS

Multi-Level Metal Sculpture:

            Open to all students. Emphasis is placed on individual concept and 3D design. Metal is the medium of choice for exploring three-dimensional objects and space with all projects grounded in historical precedents. Students will work with increasingly diverse metal materials and techniques as they engage with strategies used in contemporary and traditional sculpture. Students will become familiar with as many metalworking techniques as time and safety allow. This will include MIG welding, OXY/A welding, Plasma cutting, forging, cutting, joining, hand tools, and found object assemblage.

 

Multi-Level Wood Sculpture:

            Open to all students. This course introduces the practical and theoretical aspects of contemporary sculpture through the medium of wood. Emphasis is placed on individual concept and design. This course will review the elements and principles of 3D design as well as focus on strategies and tools artists or designers use to execute physical objects in space. Students will become familiar with as many woodworking techniques as time and safety allow. You will use both hand and power tools. In addition students will work with increasingly diverse materials as the course progresses.

 

Multi-Level Foundry (Can be combined with Digital Fab/Mixed Media):

            Open to all students. This course explores cast metals at the primary medium with a focus on aluminum, bronze, and sterling silver. Emphasis is placed on proper mold-making techniques, foundry operations, art history, and the conceptual practices of three-dimensional design. Students will become familiar with various casting processes, metalworking, and woodworking techniques as time and safety allow. This may include: welding, brazing, forging, piercing, cutting, and joinery. (Depending on facilities: Standard Investment, Lost Wax/Ceramic Shell, Sand Casting, and Silicone/Plastic Casting are all available options for this course. I am open to developing a relationship with a local community/foundry if resources are limited.)

 

Digital Fabrication for Sculptors:

            This course will explore diverse materials with a focus on digital fabrication techniques as well as rapid prototyping processes. Open to all students. Students will learn the basics of designing in a digital space. We will use both a laser cutter and 3D printer with various free software. This is an entry level course, but familiarization with some software is a plus. Each project will require applying traditional sculpting processes to create and finish the work. This includes using hand/power tools as well as physical materials such as clay, wood, cardboard, plastics, and wax.

 

Multi-Level Figurative Sculpture:

            Open to all students. Our course will focus on developing techniques to sculpting the human form and explore the history of the figure visual art. We will be making 3D objects rooted in direct observation of a model, life cast, projected images, and from the skeleton. Integral to this process in an emphasis on learning to see the modulating surface, shape, value, proportion, and edge. Students will be required to learn a broad understanding anatomical language and biological structures. In additional to sculptural techniques, drawing will play a role in this course. Although not required, it is strongly encouraged that you have at least taken an introductory drawing class. Please contact the professor if you are unsure about your current level or proficiency. *** This course will involve both male/female clothed and nude bodies/figurative elements. Maturity and respect is expected.

 

Multi-Level Figurative Drawing:

            This is not a beginning course. Students are expected to be familiar with drawing materials and techniques and it is further recommended that students have at least taken an introductory drawing course. Please contact the instructor if you are unsure about your current level or proficiency. Our course will be on developing techniques and approaches to drawing the human form; making drawings rooted in direct observation of a live model, life cast, projected images, and from the skeleton. Integral to this course in an emphasis on learning to see the changes in shape, value, proportion, and edge. Students will be required to learn and understand anatomical language and biological structures. *** This course will involve both male/female clothed and nude bodies/figurative elements. Maturity and respect is expected.

 

Drawing I (Multi-Level Option too):

            This is an entry level drawing course, no prior experience is required or necessary to succeed. This course will introduce students to the fundamental skills, concepts, and techniques of drawing, as well as familiarize students with interpreting and communicating though visual design. Through observational and representational drawing with a variety of media, students will learn principle aspects of 2D design fundamentals such as line, value, form, movement, and composition. During the second half of the course students will begin to explore individual concepts and designs.

 

Potential Additional Courses:

Foundational Courses

Mixed Media Sculpture

Installation Sculpture

Kinetic Sculpture and Creative Engineering

3D and 2D Foundational Courses

Art Appreciation

Design Cycle and Industrial Design Introduction