I know this much is true:
As a native of New York City, one of my earliest realizations was that we are one of many. My approach to art and the figure incorporates this awareness. With each new piece I draw upon a limitless resource of characters encountered. Often, the end results are compilations of traits or features from persons with whom I’ve crossed paths; sometimes real, sometimes imagined, and sometimes I’m unsure.
I find unlimited inspiration from Devotional Art of Spanish American culture. In particular, the articulated Santos doll continually triggers ideas for future work. I am especially drawn to the craftsmen’s term of Santero, which loosely translated means Saint Maker and am fascinated by what the title implies.
Other sources of influence include:
- Folk Art - if I could be locked in, overnight, at the Girard Wing of Santa Fe’s Museum of International Folk Art, I‘d be thrilled;
- Magical Realism - when I first learned of this artistic genre, I knew I found an appropriate two word description for my work; and,
- Dolls - historical, contemporary, paper, hand sewn, voodoo, sculpted, and all others.
Collecting, gathering, and repurposing is a favorite pastime It was therefore natural and predetermined that I would incorporate found objects with my interpretation of the figure. Completing each piece as an articulated doll simplifies the multi-layered human condition and draws upon the Santos doll inspiration. Each wears a piece of unexpected paraphernalia meant to accentuate how far we humans will go to be perceived as individuals--when in fact, I see it as us being one of many.