I am a multidisciplinary sculptor who combines traditional subtractive and fabrication techniques with the more contemporary practice of using and re-contextualizing found materials. The practice of sculpture has faced turbulent redefinition throughout its extensive history and this influences my own diverse and explorative approach to creating three-dimensional artwork, resulting in objects that belong in the domestic space – adorning a shelf or desk for people to collect and contemplate. In order to simulate a domestic space outside of the home, my process incorporates handcrafted hardwood furniture to best display my work.
Creating intimate objects pays homage to the tradition of collecting figurines, commemorative objects and other trinkets which reached its height during my childhood through the 80's and 90's. By looking at the ways I am heavily influenced by nostalgia and draw inspiration from popular culture, constructing and deconstructing old or forgotten objects for new contexts I create my work. I approach most of my themes with research into how the original objects functioned, bringing the fictional world of the imagination to life more believably through historical or scientific research. Additionally I have been employed in hospitals as well as biomedical technology assemblage and testing companies. This has influenced my experience of the world where I examine the study of biology through its history and relationship with technology. This allows me to better understand my place in the world of rapidly evolving medicine and technology.
Our individual experiences may be different across generations, socioeconomic barriers and geographically, but I have had difficulty through my life finding someone who hasn't been affected by the prevalence, rapid change and increased reliance on technology. Frequently that opinion is accompanied by a rose-tinted sentiment about simpler times, or acknowledgement of how technology has eased daily tasks with the pleading question “how did we do these things without [insert technology here]?” My work incorporates malleable materials including clay, wood, metal, foam, plaster, silicone or plastic with found objects to meld biology, technology and intimacy of nostalgic objects into new creations that visually encapsulate my interpretation of the sense of wonder that comes from sentimentality.