Artist Statement

Anusara philosophy promotes looking for the good in the individual. We align our bodies using the optimal blueprint that best supports the physical structure of the practitioner so that they can shine out their own unique light. Unfortunately, I have noticed a different trend in the American society. Conformity is the emphasis constantly driven into us by all aspects of communication from mass media to formal education. We, as a society, are not comfortable unless we can label anyone who does not fit our expectations. Then we can explain or correct the anomaly. We are a strong, big hearted country but sometimes we are misguided. In Anusara we practice saying yes to all that is good and say no to issues that don't enhance life. My art speaks to issues of conformity, fear of otherness, journey and discovery.

Sometimes my art is about personal experiences with my son and his ‘label’, and the unique insights that come from living with him. “Directives” was conceived through my working with his school to try to find solutions for his lack of conformity. I often find great internal conflict in trying to teach him to get along and follow the rules. I watch the things that are truly unique and remarkable in him diminish as he learns to act more ‘normal’. “Directives” is a story with two sides.  The rice paper reflects the fragility of the individual. As the viewer passes, the paper moves with the air current almost as if it is reaching to be acknowledged. The steel frames cast in cement bases represent the rigidity of the system and its demand for control.

Directives 65" x 96" x 12" Steel, concrete, two sided relief prints on rice paper

Ancestor Ceremony 36" x 48" x 48" earth, feathers, nylon, wood, plaster

Ancestor Ceremony speaks to the historical fear of otherness in the American society. It was a temporary earthwork in memory of our treatment of the Native American Indian. American settlers believed it was their right to herd, cheat, inflict small-pox on and otherwise slaughter Native Americans. They were different and in our minds inferior. We wanted them out of our way and under our thumbs. Misunderstanding and therefore fearing other cultures has always been part of the American legacy and continues to bring strife to our society and world.

Some of my pieces are more intimate, they are about womanhood and self-acceptance. Some are about journey. “Artifact” is a body suit that remains of a performance about life transitions. During the performance, I put on sections of the printed suit. Then, when I was wearing all the pieces, I partially stitched the suit together. The suit resembles well-worn skin with roadmap veins and suture scars, marking places traveled.

Artifact 54" x 18" printed cloth, thread, needles

As a woman and a part of this 'identification' culture, I feel an increasing need to draw attention to the objectification of people through my work. I believe for art to have meaning it has to come from experience, but for it to have relevance it has to address the issues in the society and time in which it is created.

Art Background

I earned my Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts in 1986 from Purdue University with a concentration in painting and printmaking. I went on to continue my studies at the California state campuses in Fullerton and Long Beach, and later at UNC in Chapel Hill, NC. My art has been accepted into juried shows across the nation. I have won several awards including best in show at the 28th Annual Competition for Artists in North Carolina.