I recently had to write an artists statement for a grant I was applying to and it struck me how utterly impossible it is to condense my entire reason for art-ing in a 4 paragraph blurb. Nevertheless, I thought I’d share it here with you to provide you with some insight into why I am compelled to do what I do—full knowing that it falls woefully short. I suppose later blog entries will help to expound upon that and serve that purpose. But until then, here is take 1 of my artist’s statement:

“Art, to me, embodies the essence of visual history—a profound attempt spanning thousands of years to distill meaning and capture the intricate threads of our shared human experience. Through its expressive medium, art becomes a record of culture, a vessel for social commentary. The history of art, intimately entwined with the history of humanity, reveals itself as a captivating enigma, a puzzle yearning to be solved.

This inherent sense of mystery and ambiguity has forever compelled me. How is it that even after half a millennium, we remain transfixed by the enigma of the Mona Lisa? How many interpretations have emerged from the intricate brushstrokes of the Garden of Earthly Delights? What meaning is hidden within the symbolism of The Last Supper? These timeless masterpieces beckon us repeatedly because, despite the elusive answers, we perpetually stand on the precipice of true understanding.

This cryptic nature of art exerts an irresistible pull, enticing us to unravel its meaning, to decipher its symbolism. In our quest for comprehension, we are left with no choice but to draw from our collective and individual experiences, immersing ourselves in the artwork. Through this process, we forge a deeper connection with the art, unraveling not only its mysteries but facets of our own being. We come to realize that art possesses the power to transcend time, unveiling universal truths that resonate within the depths of our souls.

It is this captivating essence of art that inspires my own creative pursuits. How can I cultivate the same sense of mystery that stirs my innermost being and infuse it into my own art? How can I bestow upon others the wonderment that I experience in my own artistic relationship? Striving for a delicate equilibrium, I aim to provide meaning while allowing space for individual narratives to intertwine. I construct scenes that offer fleeting glimpses into untold stories, framing them in a voyeuristic manner—an aperture to decisive moments where even the subjects themselves remain uncertain of their next move. Through the deliberate ambiguity of the characters, I invite viewers to become active participants, employing their imagination and personal narratives to anticipate the unfolding tale.

Within the aesthetics of history, my exploration of ambiguity finds its voice. I transport viewers to a time tinged with sentimentality, evoking a nostalgic yearning that resonates within my own being. As I delve further into my artistic endeavors, I ponder the role of nostalgia as a catalyst for ambiguity. Does it introduce universally recognizable aesthetics and motifs that strike emotional chords within others, or is it simply the language I am intimately familiar with, offering solace amidst the exploration of uncomfortable truths? This enigma remains an ever-present companion on my artistic journey.”