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Solo Exhibition, Anchor House of Artists, January 2023

 

Invoke is an exhibition that explores how I use abstract imagery to create figures that embody mythical qualities.  Although raised an atheist, I studied Comparative Religion at Hampshire and Smith Colleges, where her I became heavily influenced by religious literature and visual culture of multiple global traditions. This influence has had a lasting impact on my artistic development. My process involves creating artwork based on my mood or emotional/physical trials I am facing. Once I have created and completed the piece, I consider what qualities or emotions I am communicating. I view the piece objectively to discover what it outwardly communicates. After I determine the artwork's specific and unique qualities, I dig into my knowledge of deities and mythical creatures to determine the title of the piece.

 

In essence, I work backward, allowing feeling to dictate the appearance of the artwork and then establish its place in religious history after the fact. Rarely do I set out to create a specific God/Goddess--I allow the figure to dictate its own identity.  These visual creations are talismans or spiritual protectors that assist me through the many challenges I face as a person who suffers from multiple chronic health conditions.

 

As a lifelong student of visual culture and spiritual symbolism, I recognize that

without the knowledge of an icon’s historical narrative, the pieces I have created will not necessarily possess or convey the meaning I intended. My goal in creating abstract work has always been for the viewer to construct their own meaning and narrative, which is unavoidable, despite an artist’s intentions. I greatly value the viewer’s constructed narrative as a means of better understanding myself as an artist and person.  

 

Each piece included in this exhibition is an invocation of qualities that I need to move forward in life. I surround myself with these visual manifestations or sacred talismans in hopes that they communicate my struggle, hear my prayers, and assist me in overcoming obstacles.