Rather than writing this in a long-winded essay or thesis style, I have decided to try a kind of "pseudo-FAQ" page, in keeping with the context of the web. I also can provide a more seriosly formated and in depth artist's statement in writing on request. I plan on amending and adding to this, so please contact me if you have any further questions or comments
Q;Who are some of your favorite artists?
A;Click here to find out.
Q;Why do you paint the subjects you do?
A; I painted suited figures, neckties, office fixtures, etc... because these visual images are emblematic of my environment as a white-male in late 20th century America. Growing up, I saw this imagery, both in my own personal life, as well as in the mass media, and it was that corporate setting which was put forth as a great arena of both material and professional success, as well as moral and emotional failure. I have recently moved away from depicting suited figures and have begun using the imagery of air-travel and the landscape underneith. I see these new images choices as continuations of my interest and concern for the state of modern life, rootlessness, and search for identity. The conflict between the individual and his/her search for self vs. the expectations of, and responcibilities to, society (family, business, school, government, religeon, etc..)is the underling theme of my work.
Q;What is the significance of the use of horizontal lines in your work?
A; There are 3 main reasons for the horizontal lines, or bands I employ. The first two reasons both relate to the third. Most obviously, I include venetian blinds in some of my pictures. These are logical items to be found in an office setting, and their presence reinforces the institutional quality of the space my figures inhabit. I also use horizontal lines in reference to electronic screen "scan lines". These lines are part of the visual environment of media representation, especially in a corporate setting. The horizontal line is also important in art due to its relation to the Earthly horizon, and in contrast to the verticality of figures (in the artwork and/or the viewer seeing it). These "content" reasons for using horizontal lines serve a "formal" purpose too. By using these bands, the entire picture is locked into a sort of grid. This grid gives the other elements in the painting, a structure on which to act. (in my earlier work, desk tops, chair moldings, and window and ceiling edges played these horizontal element roles, now the horizontal elements tend to be either horizon related, or referential to electionic imageing)
Q; If your subject matter involves modern life, and depersonalization, why not use a more contemporary medium, such as video, or computer art?
A; Well I wouldn't exactly say I wouldn't use other, more technologically advanced media, but I haven't put nearly as much time and discipline into learning such forms. Also, and more importantly to me, I cherish the very personal level that a painting is created on. The act of using ones own hands (and getting them dirty no less!) connects me to my work, and my world in a way that is, perhaps, beyond my rational mind's ability to fully comprehend. Also, and I say this with a touch of embarrassment, I feel Ludditie (anti-technology) sympathies. I am no technophobe, in fact I am enjoying getting to know more about computers and their potential for image creation and manipulation, but deep down, I suppose I harbor mistrust, even a slight fear of being displaced (as an artist and a human), by machines. Besides, painters and other traditional fine artists have a several thousand year head-start on computer artists, but one day, who knows?
Q;Does it make you feel pompous or odd asking yourself questions, and then answering them like this?
A; Well yes, a little.
