Artist Statement
My art is an evaluation of human nature, specifically as it manifests itself in Western Civilization. Concepts such as wrong and right, good and bad, chaos and order, are the dualistic lens through which our culture views itself and the world. For me, this simplified way of perceiving is absurd, but, at the same time, such dramatic comparisons have an element of strange beauty to them. By using unsettling and unnatural visuals, I attempt to expose others to its existence in their own lives. Once the connection has been made, I attempt to pass on the significance of critical thought and perception to my viewers.
I use antithetical elements and configurations to create unsettling compositions. The frozen scenes and objects as a question posed to viewers about the essence of the visual. Linear and organic, beauty and decay, deterioration and growth; these are all dichotomies commonly contemplated in my creations. Desolate landscapes, and imperfect forms are contrasted by the staged manner in which they are presented. The element of theatricality is a dominant aspect in both my compositions and my concepts. The human figure is often paired with objects or props which serve as symbols to societal concepts and ideas. Traditions and beliefs are referenced in an exaggerated manner to question their rationalization as acceptable norms in the contemporary world. Staged scenes and structures are commonly utilized to not only provide isolation and distance between the objects or figures and their surroundings, but also distance between the scene and the viewer. Though I readily distinguish my scenes from the reality of my viewer, I use subjects reminiscent of our world to provide the audience with cognitive associations I would like them to have.
Curriculum Vitae
Education:
2013-2016: Bachelor of Fine Arts: Painting and Ceramics
Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, MO
Teaching Experience:
2016: Painting Instructor
Alpha Delta Pi Mother-Daughter Painting Class, Maryville, MO
Acrylic demonstration
Painting Instructor
2015: Alpha Delta Pi Sisters Painting Class
Acrylic demonstration, still life instruction
International Studies:
Summer 2015:
Rome, Italy
Orvieto, Italy
Florence, Italy
Residences:
2016: "Gallery Zeke Artist in Residence"
Steelville, MO
Solo Exhibitions:
2016: "B.F.A. Thesis Show"
Maryville, MO
Juried/Group Exhibitions:
2017: 2nd Place "Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art's Annual Membership Show", juried exhibition
Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art, St. Joseph, MO
"Works on Paper", group exhibition
Maryville, MO
Public Choice "UPD Art Show", juried exhibition
Maryville, MO
"Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art's Undergraduate Juried Exhibition", juried exhibition
Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art, St. Joseph, MO
"Kansas City Artists Coalition's 2017 Undergraduate College Student Exhibition, juried exhibition
Artists Coalition's Mallin and Charno Galleries, Kansas City, MO
2016: "REAF Regional Art Show"
Rochester, NY
"North on 71", group exhibition
Kansas City, MO
"Pop-up Gallery", group exhibition
Maryville, MO
2nd Place "Juried Student Exhibition" juried exhibition
Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, MO
"2016 Celebration of Quality" juried exhibition
Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, MO
"College Student Art Exhibition" group exhibition
Gallery Zeke, Steelville, MO
"Artists in Residence Show" group exhibition
Steelville, MO
"International Week Art Display"
Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, MO
"BIG"
Maryville Arts Council, Maryville, MO
2014: "Juried Student Exhibition" juried exhibition
Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, MO
Curatorial Experience:
2017: "UPD Art Show" juried exhibition
Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, MO
"Works On Paper" group exhibition
The Pub, Maryville MO
Organizations:
2015-2016: Clay Club, Vice President
Events, meetings, organization
Northwest Missouri State University
2015-2016: Clay Club, Member
Events, meetings, organization
Northwest Missouri State University
2014: Kappa Pi, Member
Events, meetings, organization
Northwest Missouri State University