drawings
Influenced by graffiti, vintage advertisements, illuminated manuscripts and illustrated books, I appropriate and “re-place” the playful, appealing figures, adding text and small visual discrepancies, shifting the drawings from lighthearted towards something darkly humorous.
Depictions of children are generally seen and understood as simple, innocent, cute and/or precious, used here as a lure to draw viewers in to see text that conflicts with or subverts the apparent visual narrative.
Images from top left: Big Wave, 7″x10″ paint and graphite on book pages, image courtesy private collection; you want to hit this? 8″x10″ paint and graphite on book pages, image courtesy private collection; i would never touch you otherwise, 18″x24″ paint and graphite on book pages, image courtesy of the collection of Chris Lehtonen & Kelly Sherman; do you smell fish? 5″x9″ paint, graphite and gold leaf on book pages, image courtesy private collection; whatever, 24″x30″ paint and graphite on book pages, image courtesy of the collection of David & Catherine Kroes; i love my bunny and my bunny loves me, 25″x39″ paint and graphite on book pages, image courtesy private collection
Images from top left: eventually everyone settles, 9.5″x9.5″ paint, graphite and beeswax on book pages; Untitled pop up (in progress), 6″x10″x5″ paint, graphite, gold leaf and vintage book; the time of life is short, 8″x10″x7″ mirrored box, paint, graphite, gold leaf and vintage book; pop up (detail) sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc (we gladly feast on those who would subdue us) paint, graphite, gold leaf and vintage book; i do not want you, 7″x7.25″ paint, graphite, gold leaf and vintage book; you ruined my life, 18.5″x18.5″ paint, graphite, gold leaf and vintage book on paper; the innocent, 24″x36″ paint, graphite, gold leaf and vintage book on paper; i’m bigger thats why, 3″x6″ paint, graphite, gold leaf and vintage book on paper; i don’t feel so good, 4″x6″ paint, graphite, gold leaf and vintage book on paper
Images from top left: pretty bird, 4″x4″ mixed media on paper; oh hurry up already, 24″x36″ paint, graphite, gold leaf and vintage book on paper; you’re no fun, 8″x 9.5″ paint, graphite, gold leaf and vintage book on paper; nimble fingers, 9″x11″ mixed media on wood panel; dandelion girl, 9″x11″ mixed media on wood panel; watcher, 9″x11″ mixed media on wood panel