As an artist the act of creating work has always affirmed the present, making it intrinsic to my well being. Today, as I live and work on the Sierra near Yosemite and become humbled by its cycles, power, and fragility, never before have I had the privilege to be so entwined with existence.
I have watched bark beetles and drought kill off most of the ponderosa pines on this property and the hills beyond. The earth beneath my feet has scorched as the summer temperatures have peaked. I have watched waters recede dangerously low. I have witnessed many of California’s historic wildfires first-hand. And have watched helplessly as 100 mph Mono Winds toppled century old trees.
I am subject to whatever comes to these mountains. Our home and my studio temporarily occupy this place. Living here, you never forget that you are just upon it… for however long you get to be here. This life is cyclical and interconnected. I heat with fire throughout the winter and none of these fallen trees go to waste. As keeper of this land, I regenerate the soil and manage the health of trees. This serves the dual purpose of forest health and fire safety. I have learned to grow much of our own food, creating an immediate and profound connection to the water on this land. As a human upon these mountains, tasked with the responsibility of this place, everything is true, holy, and immediate. I wanted this…I wanted to be subject to the land. I hope to carry this into my work. I know where the mushrooms grow, which trees might fall in the next storm, I have learned which plants are edible and where they grow, where the water will flow and how it will erode the land. The work here on this 2.5 acres is ongoing and in concert with this place. Being a part of this is all frightfully real and beautiful.
My artwork reflects these experiences and aims to share this sense of awe and immediacy. The sculptures are made from incense cedar trees and oaks collected from the mountains. The drawings are made with iron gall ink produced from materials gathered on this land. The charcoal is made from local willow. The techniques and tools used to manage and sustain our environment like fire, water, froes, drawknives and chainsaws are used to produce the work. And the objects collected from these surroundings and rendered into paintings and sculptures are symbols of the totality of this experience.
CV
Born 1978, Torrance, CA
Lives and works in Yosemite, CA
Education:
2004: BA Single Subject Arts Education, California State University Long Beach
2004: Single Subject Teaching Credential, California State university Long Beach
1995: Figure Drawing Program Otis Parsons High School Program
Solo Exhibitions
2022 Home Fresno Arts Council, Fresno, CA
2019-2022 Hold This The Chetwood, Oakland, CA
2019 Make Monument Subrosa, Oakland, CA
2012 This is Our Time Hole in the Wall Gallery, Pomona, CA
2011 Dreamlander the Sages have Returned to the Belly of the Beast 4th. Street Vine Alternative Art Space Long Beach, CA
2010 Meaninglessness Fullerton Museum of Art, Fullerton, CA
Group Exhibitions
2014 Mas Attack The Torrance Art Museum, Torrance, CA
2013 Chockablock University Art Museum, Cal State Long Beach, CA
2013 Mas Attack LA Mart, Los Angeles , CA
2012 Artifacts and Rituals PAS Gallery, Fullerton, CA
2012 Lost but Profound PS Zasck Art Gallery, Rolling Hills Estates, CA
2012 Either Side Of Gray PS Zasck Art Gallery, Rolling Hills Estates, CA
2009 Mapping Memories Group Exhibition" Echo Curio, Echo Park, CA
2009 Group Exhibition Shelter Alternative Art Space" Shelter Galley Long Beach, CA
2008 "6th Annual Over Hung Show" Concrete Walls Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
2008 "Chain Main" High Energy Construct, Los Angeles, CA