This body of work is called “Beyond the Rocks.” Large oil paintings and artist frames of painted luan, wood, and etched Plexiglas are inspired by vintage craft books and historical references I have collected over the years. The three-dimensional framework is inspired by pop up books and pre-cinema children’s game designs. I want paint, color and wood to be handled so physically; scraped, plied on, etched and cut through, that the sweet, demure, playful sentiment and historical craft-circle patterns of the work telegraph a dominant in-your-face hokey-but-sweet authority. It amuses me to celebrate a feminine voice of homey crafts and loving optimism through a harsh, assaultive cut outs in the voice of our current understanding of aggressive power. By challenging the hierarchy of the current listening of such positive messages I hope to celebrate sentimental optimism and joy.
