Artist Statement
One of the ways I find inspiration for my work is to go into institutions – specifically nursing homes –and have the residents show me how to do things. There are many creative retired individuals that are open and willing to share their knowledge and skills. I have learned knitting, crocheting, embroidery, woodworking, and sewing. I see these crafts as languages, and my job as an artist is to explore the translations. One of the questions that I like to ask is: Where is the line between craft and art? What makes something art?
My current work stems from learning to sew. I spent three months volunteering in a nursing home in Charlotte, North Carolina. A wonderful woman there taught me how to sew – we made shirts and jackets. I started noticing sewn objects everywhere – and having found a life preserver in a thrift store, I decided to reinterpret this object. Using traditional garment construction I have abandoned the “international orange” and began making life preservers out of fabric, leather, seed cloth, etc. I now see these sculptures as portraits. Instead of the traditional paint on canvas or a clay bust, I’m using an inanimate object – a standard life vest – to reflect character and narrative. My goal is to fabricate 100; currently I am on number 39. This website is dedicated is to project.
My current work stems from learning to sew. I spent three months volunteering in a nursing home in Charlotte, North Carolina. A wonderful woman there taught me how to sew – we made shirts and jackets. I started noticing sewn objects everywhere – and having found a life preserver in a thrift store, I decided to reinterpret this object. Using traditional garment construction I have abandoned the “international orange” and began making life preservers out of fabric, leather, seed cloth, etc. I now see these sculptures as portraits. Instead of the traditional paint on canvas or a clay bust, I’m using an inanimate object – a standard life vest – to reflect character and narrative. My goal is to fabricate 100; currently I am on number 39. This website is dedicated is to project.