First Skin

First Skin is a hand-stitched self-portrait sculpted and sewn from polyester organza. It is a somewhat grotesque representation fabricated from an undesirable material, with primitively sewn fingers, toes, knees, breasts and hanging threads that are unkempt and unresolved. The body is hollow, presenting as ethereal, even wispy, and yet it reveals surprising details in the shadows cast onto the wall.

Postured and vulnerable, these projections that smooth over blemishes, reveal bulges and delineate wrinkles, articulate certain unnamed truths that illustrate a compelling emergence of spirit, growth and change. 

It is currently exhibiting at Dorchester Art Project in the show Altarations: A Selection of Shrines. My shrine, First Skin, represents my ritual of process and craft in the devotion of art, history, identity, time and place. In taking needlearts away from lapwork and bring it into large scale dimensional space First Skin represents my expressions both freely and confidently and as integral to who I am. I'm honored to be a part of Altarations and have the opportunity to launch this new work in a show about devotion and personal story.

FIRST SKIN, 79x24x8 in. w/hanger,
polyester organza, thread, wood hanger, 2018
Photo: Will Howcroft

These eclectic shrines are receiving lots of attention and justifiably so. Dorchester Art Project is a funky second floor space in Fields Corner "... providing a unique space for Boston based emerging artists, in the midst of the city’s largest and most dynamic neighborhood". 

The enthusiasm of the organizers is contagious and I'm so excited to be a part of this creative energy. The closing reception is August 26 from 1 to 4 pm. I plan on attending and am looking forward to meeting everyone... please join us to see this culmination of truly divine experiences.

Read the review by WBUR Artery here.

ALTARATIONS: A Selection of Shrines
Dorchester Art ProjectsJuly 21 - August 26, 2018
Closing Reception: August 26, 1-4 pm
Dance Party: August 26, 4 pm
Gallery Hours: Sat-Sundays 12-6 pm

Huffpost Studio View

 

I am thrilled to be featured in a HUFFINGTON POST ARTS & CULTURE article by Hilary Harkness in her new art blog.

Hilary and I met at a Somerville Arts event in July, 2011 where we became acquainted with each other's work. With STUDIO VIEWS, Hilary provides an insider's look at the process and spaces of various artists on a typical day - no cleaning up, or dressing up - the real deal. This video happened during a heat wave and we needed to turn off all background noise including AC and fans. It was created in one shot, about 15 minutes, and then Hilary edited it down.

I love how Hilary captured me in my work environment, and it was fun to talk with such an engaging and insightful interviewer. 

Thank you, Hilary! Looking forward to more of your STUDIO VIEWS in the future.

Cosmic Boogaloo

Check out the ingenuity that went into the creation of the "Cosmic Boogaloo". I've seen a young man riding this around the city. When I look at his things I wonder about who he is and what he does. Like why the wheelbarrow? Can you see the shopping cart? The crutch? Does he use these in his daily life? Is the wood structure an armature for future items to be attached to? Or just an aesthetic? 

As different as it seems, it's traditional. The black milk crate up front references the old fashioned bike basket for instance. There's symmetry to the design with wheels placed for balance rather than purpose. And also practical, notice how items are privately stored under the tarp in the back trailer. Tucked away from public eyes as if in a private domicile. 

It functions as a vehicle and storage unit at the same time. Is this an act of expression or of utility?  I sense domesticity and order. Like the name suggests - a system of seemingly disparate parts that together work as a functioning whole.

Micromorphic Reception

I am so sorry to have missed the opening reception for MICROMORPHIC at Byrdcliffe Kleinert/James Center for the Arts in Woodstock NY. With too many personal and business commitments to speak of I didn't have the time needed to travel out and back.

My loss as you will see when you view the photographs of the exhibit taken by the curator, Laura Gurton... beautiful. Thanks Laura!