Artist Statement
In a world that is constantly changing via incredible leaps in technology and unbelievable strains upon the environment I am constantly questioning our connection to the land and our loss of connection to that land. How do we arrive at a place where a balance has been found between technology and nature? At what point do we begin to realize that we are not moving through a passive landscape, but through a landscape that is a reflection of our having lost touch with the sacredness of the Earth itself. As an environmental artist my work is a reflection of our collective archetypal memories and ways of relating to the Earth.
Think of it — our physical bodies are made up of stardust, ancient dinosaur bones, trillions of cells that communicate with other cells, water that is controlled by the moon just as the tides are – water that is affected by our very thoughts. We breathe air that has been recirculating around the globe for millennia – we breathe the same air that our ancient ancestors once did. We are interwoven into the very fabric of the Earth – the Earth is interwoven into each of our physical beings. We also share these physical connections, and are further interwoven, with every other living being on this planet. We each carry genetic memories within us, for at one time all of our ancestors lived in harmony with the Earth and understood the delicate balance between what was seen and what was intuited My work is classified as environmental art and encompasses many mediums including site specific ephemeral and permanent works, interventions, installation, sculpture, video, sound, writing, web, photography, painting, print making and drawing. I work in response to sites in the natural world. I am interested in issues of identity, especially indigenous cultures, including my own, place, the environment, technology and globalization – questioning how our identities are shaped by the land while also exploring how technology can be integrated into that understanding. Much of my work is an attempt to provide the viewer with a starting point to begin contemplating their own landscape and possibly their part in its preservation.
I am never sure what will happen when I begin working in a new area or landscape. Each site that I choose, or perhaps chooses me, is for a different reason. I do not research an area before I begin working there. I work intuitively at sites, with site energies – sometimes through dreams, impressions or waking dreams. Once the work emerges and is on its way to completion I will begin a site research based on local history, local stories, and connections to the larger universe – celestial, botanical, animal and spiritual.
I am especially open to, and encourage, collaborations with scientists, researchers, architects, landscape architects, planners, writers and other artists. I am available for private and public commissions and to teach environmental workshops.