See N Say
click image to enlarge
Wiregrass Museum of Art
Dothan, Alabama
January 26 through March 28, 2006

Statement
See N Say explores the random aspects of reality and mixes it with surreal imagery. This visual play relates to the preschool toy "See N Say" in which the child pulls the ring and an arrow moves in a circular motion and randomly lands on a common farm animal. A voice from within speaks, "The cow says 'moo'." Another interesting quality of the toy is that sometimes the arrow lands on the edge of the cow– but still the cow– and the voice says, "The pig says 'oink'." How confusing. A classic American toy based on chance - kinda like a preschool roulette wheel. The visual juxtaposition of imagery in these new pieces is random, yet familiar, much like the toy. The intent is to be fun and involving in which I hope the viewer reads each piece like they may pull a string and get a different voice each time. Maybe you just might hear, "The cow says 'oink'."

More Images to come!

Taurus
5.5' x 6'
Mixed media

Much of this work is typical to my process of image making. I like to work in layers, starting with a charcoal drawing and latex paint. I use the paint to help establish composition. I then add collage items and incorporate them with acrylic media. Oil paint is then applied to define the image and creates a luster and depth that cannot be obtained from water-based media. Assemblage items may be incorporated if the piece calls for such three dimensional treatment.

I consider my work postmodern by definition.  Postmodern Art incorporates surrealism, repetition, appropriation, words, fragmentation, collage/assemblage and new media. These devices may be used singly or in combination with one another. A trained traditional artist, I found the process of creating art “the old fashioned way” to be boring and thoughtless. It was easy for me to recreate reality through drawing and paint. The challenge for me was to create images, which require the viewer to examine the work with determination and read it much like a poem. I consider my work successful if the viewer finds a need to return to a previously viewed painting because they might have missed something. I like that.

Trojan Horse
8.5' x 5'
Mixed media

Shooting Gallery
5' x 9'
Mixed media

Lamb of God
60'' x 55''
Mixed media

FLUSH [Washington Makes Change]
60'' x 42''
Mixed media

"El Pollo Says 'Kluk'"
5.5' x 6'
Mixed media and ax handle