ARTIST STATEMENT/BIO

Compelled by the controlling role rhythm can play in an often chaotic environment, it is my goal to provide series of concentrated images, forms and when possible audio/visual experiences that will describe or depict discoveries of simple, rhythmic elements. A search for essential and orderly properties of organic forms, patterns, and systems directs my explorations where collected material is dissected and recorded as stylized data. The outcome of these exercises in observation and dissection as thematic intent has become apparent in all my work including drawing, printmaking, bookwork, and ceramics, as well as multi-media installation and performance art

Currently, my studio is in the Strand Theater Building in Montevallo, AL where I am developing new bodies of work for 2010-2012 exhibitions, installations and performances. “drawing mountains” is a series of pen and ink drawings, watercolor mono-serigraphs and unique book works inspired by photographs of mountain ranges, developed in collaboration with the Mountain Maker Cohorts FaceBook Group. “texturial” is the working title of an in-process multi-media performance/installation utilizing descriptive words and my “pen and ink studies” as a foundation for developmental elements of sound, video, sculpture, and movement. In January 2010 I began exploring interactive installation and performance work using assemblage and electronics, along with language manipulation and playful game exercises as a member of HoWaYaDa Klann, a collaborative group featuring Larry Hoagland, Brad Davis, myself and sometimes Walker Yancey. In addition, my “pen and ink studies” and “orbis poculli” (atmosphere fired ceramic pinch pots) series, as well as further installation and performance explorations are in process.

Since graduating from the University of Montevallo with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in 1994, I have continued to work as an interdisciplinary artist, allowing content to filter between various mediums, referencing one to another. Along with the production and exhibition of my studio work, I am co-partner of STRANDED art cooperative (also in the Strand Theater Building) and sometimes curate exhibitions and performance programming, design graphics for myself and other companies, design event installations, and coordinate/instruct special project art classes for children and adults.

SELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS

2007  10 Pen and Ink Studies commissioned. Restaurant Icon, Tutwiler Hotel. Birmingham, AL.

2002  “Study for transitional space with accessible passageways and rooms for mutation,” an installation. Bare Hands Gallery. Birmingham, AL.

2001  “Significant Pituitary Stimulation,” an installation for “Firsts: the personal and the historical,” a group exhibition curated by Tracie Noles Ross honoring women’s history month. Sponsored by the Women’s Studies Program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Bare Hands Gallery. Birmingham, AL.

2000  “Sleep Writing,” an in-process performance written and performed for “Journal of Influences: Friends and Mentors,” a group exhibition curated by Pinky/MM Bass. Eastern Shore Art Center. Fairhope, AL.

1996  “Just Move It,” an installation. Bare Hands Gallery. Birmingham, AL.

1995  “Pupa Tears and Sweat Milk,” an in process solo performance. South of Market Cultural Center. San Francisco, CA.

1994  “Nomenclature of My Buckets: Listing and Labeling the Contents of My Heart,” BFA exit exhibition. Agnes Gallery. Birmingham, AL.

SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS

2010  "thwerktwijgendenn," a HoWaYa Klann installation in collaboration with Larry Hoagland for "Edge of Winter," a group exhibition of 14 Birmigham area contemporary artists curated by Kate Merritt Davis. Lite Box Gallery. Birmingham, AL.

2009  "drawing mountains box book no.1and Tears Cried Down After Fighting No.3," two artist books selected for exhibition at Central Booking, a space focusing on artist's books and prints and their integration into the larger art world. Central Booking @ DUMBO. Brooklyn, NY.

2009  "Birmingham Artwalk," a juried fine art festival held in select lofts and businesses of downtown Birmingham. 2nd Row Studio. Birmingham, AL.

2009  “Sketch It Out,” a large group exhibition. APW Gallery. Long Island City, NY.

2008  “Water Closet Installation,” a two-person installation with Walker Yancey. Bare Hands Gallery. Birmingham, AL.

2008  “ArtBash '08: Silver Leafed,” designer/director of interactive installations for ONB Magic City Art Connection's annual fundraiser. Tillman-Levenson Building, Birmingham, AL.

2007  “Re:re (Forward:fwd:fwd: forward),” a multi-media performance written and directed by Karen Graffeo, performed in collaboration. Waterloo Center for the Arts. Waterloo, IA.

2007  “ArtBash '07,” designer/director of interactive installations for ONB Magic City Art Connection's annual fundraiser. Intermark Building, Birmingham, AL.

2006  “Contour: The Definitive Line,” a group exhibition curated by John Coffelt, selected drawings exhibited. Schedler Minchin Fine Art. Homewood, AL.

2004  “Vanncox and Dean: Aeramonia,” a two-person exhibition with Wendi Flowers. Bare Hands Gallery. Birmingham, AL.

2002  “forestial,” a multi-media performance written and directed in collaboration with Collin Adams. Performed by Lloyd Bricken, Christopher Bayerle, Ali Gonzenbach, and Codi Head. Steiner Auditorium, Birmingham Museum of Art. Birmingham, AL.

2002  “29 or 30 o’clock: an exploration of dislocation,” a multi-media performance written, directed, and performed in collaboration with Davey Williams for G.o.R.A.inMotus. Eyedrum. Atlanta, GA.

2001  “fissure no. 071725,” a multi-media performance written, directed, and performed in collaboration with Paul C. Wilm, Jacob Isaacs, Jennifer Shurbet and Randall Shurbet for the New Arts Stage of City Stages. Birmingham Museum of Art Foyer. Birmingham, AL.

2000  “The Blood Stained Chicken Scratchings,” an artist book selected for exhibition in “Journal of Influences: Friends and Mentors.” Eastern Shore Art Center. Fairhope, AL.

2000  “Projects for Poems,” a video installation (instructions by Joan Brossa.) for “Do It,” a conceptually based traveling exhibition conceived and curated by Hans-Ulrich Obrist in 1992. Atlanta College of Art Gallery. Atlanta, GA.

2000  “29:00 or 30:00 o’clock: an exploration of dislocation” performed in collaboration with Davey Williams for the Birmingham International Improv Festival. Starlight Amphitheater, Birmingham Southern College. Birmingham, AL.

2000  “29:00 or 30:00 o’clock: an exploration of dislocation” performed in collaboration with Davey Williams for the Spoken Word Festival of City Stages. Civil Rights Museum. Birmingham, AL.

1999  Two reliefs selected for the Veteran’s Memorial Monument designed and administered by Giattina Fisher Aycock Architects, Incorporated. Veteran’s Memorial Project. Birmingham, AL.

1999  “trash no. 1,“ a video installation for “Up South,” a group exhibition involving 11 artists from the Southeastern United States coordinated by Space One Eleven, the Civil Rights Museum, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. University of Alabama at Birmingham, Visual Arts Gallery. Birmingham, AL.

1999  “Up South,” selected mixed media works exhibited. Agnes Gallery. Birmingham, AL.

SELECTED ARTS PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2009  Art Coordinator/Instructor of "Creative Backyard Construction" workshops for children at Wonderkid Studios of Moss Rock Festival in Hoover, AL at The Village Green of The Preserve. http://www.MossRockFestival.com

2009  Art Instructor of Printmaking and Ceramics for children and adults at Shelby County Arts Council in Columbiana, AL. http://www.shelbycountyartscouncil.com

2009  Art Instructor of "Color Shape Mobiles" workshop for children at Imagination Festival of ONB Magic City Art Connection, a fine art festival held in downtown Birmingham, AL at Linn Park. http://www.MagicCityArt.com

2008-2009  Art Coordinator/Instructor for Shelby County Arts Council's "Art Abilities" program providing special project art classes for children with special needs at Creek View Elementary School in Maylene and Meadow View Elementary School in Alabaster, AL.

2006-2008  Artist, Arts Ed. & etc.spaces Coordinator for Moss Rock Festival, a contemporary art festival "Celebrating Nature & Open Spaces through Art & Design" in Hoover, AL at The Village Green of The Preserve. http://www.MossRockFestival.com

1999-2008  Artist & Arts Ed. Coordinator (in some form or fashion) for ONB Magic City Art Connection, a contemporary art festival held in downtown Birmingham, AL at Linn Park. http://www.MagicCityArt.com

1999-2005  Art Director, Marketing/Sales Assistant, and Product Development Consultant for Chelsea House, Corp. in Chelsea, AL.

2001  Curator/Coordinator of Traveling Exhibitions, Opening Events, and Performance Programming for G.o.R.A.inMotus, a Group of Revolving Artists in Motion at mono09pod & Bare Hands Gallery in Birmingham, AL and Eyedrum in Atlanta, Ga.

1999-2001  Curator/Director of Art Exhibitions and Performance Programming for mono09pod in Birmingham, AL.