Stickers, symbols and images taken from the world of music (like album covers) can change the context of how we see the world. I utilize stickers, visual imagery, and song lyrics to have individuals identify what is natural to them, and to have them look for patterns in the artwork and in the symbols around them. Music and lyrics influence my arrangement and layout compositions with the goal of creating detectable patterns and rhythms. For viewers, often, this leads to nostalgia and the remembrance of specific moments in their lives.
As an artist, I tap into visual and lyrical vocabularies from anthemic songs, declarations of love, and bold pursuits overcoming defeat. These are messages that animate popular culture and have the power to change our vision of the world. Yet, in the creation of the artwork I am also careful to place entry points for the viewer to redefine and reinterpret what they see for themselves. These are recognizable openings for individuals to feel like they too can reinterpret the world–I strongly believe individuals have the power to change the world.
The work I make intentionally utilizes elements of repetition and patterns as a way to frame language and imagery. I think of the contours of language and text as a way to spark moments of joy, recognizable beats, sways and colors that sing to the viewer's delight.
My work is collage made from custom-created stickers, laser cut album covers and more recently board game packaging. I use acrylic and spray paint and liquid watercolors to add highlight colors and tint. As an artist, I tap into visual and lyrical vocabularies from anthemic songs, declarations of love, and bold pursuits overcoming defeat.