Trafford, AL

Mixed Media

I graduated in May 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art from UAB. My concentration was in graphic design while my heart belongs more to illustration and drawing. I really do love both disciplines and I have learned that they go hand-in-hand with the right approach. For example, I often use my computer and inkjet printer to create my work. Some of the images that I use are my own pictures or original drawings that have been scanned, inkjet printed, photocopied, and then either Xerox transferred through packing tape or etching ink. I then take that reproduction and apply it to a new work. This is a process that I have used with book arts.

The work I am showing this year are %u201Cbooks.%u201D One is a flutter book made from rice paper and handmade paper. The pages are folded in an accordion style where each page is really one continuous sheet. I feel that this work is decorative yet feminine and ethereal.

Another book is an %u201Caltered%u201D book made from the pages of Bible study book that are glued together to form a sturdy sheet. These were the cut down and formed into a box. The particular work reflects my personal feelings about religion. I collect decorative boxes %u2013 wood or even cigar boxes. They are personal things to me that I keep personal things in %u2013 letter, picture, cards %u2013 and that is how I feel about this piece. It is highly personal with some things that are never seen by others because you want to keep those things tucked away.

Another book is a gold out. The case that holds it is meant to reflect characteristics of a pocket book. Some of the images used init are photos that I have taken of places that remind me of someone. The pictures are paired with a poem or journal entry conveys whatever mood I had in mind. This particular work contains a variety of media %u2013 handmade paper, velvet paper, sewing, cardstock, etching ink, and Xerox tape transfer.

Any form of work that I create I hope that it brings some kind of strong emotion form whoever sees it. I want that person to feel whatever I am feeling at the time it was being created. My artwork is a cathartic process that helps me communicate my emotions. I hope my work will inspire others %u2013 inspire others to communicate whether it is through voice, song, writing, or more visual art.