my first exhibition
This year I had the pleasure of exhibiting my work in a gallery for the first time. The show titled "Connected" was displayed in the Colorado State University Mini-Gallery, in the Visual Arts Building on campus. My work was on display from September 21st through the 25th of 2015. Below is my artist statement from the show as well as images from the gallery.
connected
In this show, Connected, my work focuses on endangered and critically endangered species, the issues causing their population decline, and the way in which we as human beings utilize natural resources. In the world today, the list of species at risk of extinction is ever growing. In the last few years, I have done research into various species and the reasons why they face extinction. In my research, I have found a direct connection to not just human activity, but specifically, the ways in which we utilize natural resources. For example, one of the many factors contributing to the population decline of Orangutans is habitat loss due to mass palm oil agriculture.
In my work, I have taken a few different approaches to conveying these issues. In some pieces, I have chosen to paint portraits of individual species, bringing attention to their unique and beautiful features. In other works, I have overlaid the portraits with line drawings which represent one of the many issues that is contributing to the species extinction. Finally, I have also created works that showcase common natural resources, which are overlaid with line drawings that depict ways in which we systematize them for mass consumption. In my work, I hope to both showcase these issues and the way in which they are interconnected.
In my work, I have taken a few different approaches to conveying these issues. In some pieces, I have chosen to paint portraits of individual species, bringing attention to their unique and beautiful features. In other works, I have overlaid the portraits with line drawings which represent one of the many issues that is contributing to the species extinction. Finally, I have also created works that showcase common natural resources, which are overlaid with line drawings that depict ways in which we systematize them for mass consumption. In my work, I hope to both showcase these issues and the way in which they are interconnected.
From left to right:
Green Sea Turtle, Elk Horn Coral, Orange-Spotted Filefish, Apollo Butterfly and Reticulated Flatwoods Salamander
2015
Oil on board
Green Sea Turtle, Elk Horn Coral, Orange-Spotted Filefish, Apollo Butterfly and Reticulated Flatwoods Salamander
2015
Oil on board
From left to right:
Akohekohe, Right Whale, Orangutan, Humphead Wrasse and Red Panda
2014 - 2015
Frosted mylar, acrylic paint, permanent marker
Akohekohe, Right Whale, Orangutan, Humphead Wrasse and Red Panda
2014 - 2015
Frosted mylar, acrylic paint, permanent marker
Utilize
2014
Frosted mylar, acrylic paint, graphite, pen, permanent marker
2014
Frosted mylar, acrylic paint, graphite, pen, permanent marker