Nature, and all it's Capabilities....

Hays Cemetery 2012

 Hancock County, Indiana

 

 

 

 

 

Including organic materials in my work is a reflection of my fondness for nature,

and it's endless storybook of objects, textures, creatures, and life. Animal remains

house a great amount of life, even after death. A story remains to be told, and I

believe the spirit can be immortalized by creating a home for that which the animal

left behind. And the same can be said with humans.

 

Here, you can see me at Hays Cemetery in Hancock, Indiana. Hays Cemetery has 

undergone years of destructive and disrespectful behavior. There is now a circle

of broken headstones created by those responsible for the chaos. When I was there, I decided that some purity and kindness was needed. I buried a white candle withing

dried wheat, and lit it. All the while dropping dried yellow marigolds around the

circle to fuse the area with peace and to hopefully leave a feeling of respect.

 

 

My work often reflects themes of death, altars, and the supernatural. I included this

photograph for those to see I not only practice these ideals in my work, but also in life.

"Ritual Residue"

"Ritual Residue" 2012

5' x 18'

Silkscreen, Waxed Paper, Red Pepper,

Twine, Fabric, and Found Objects

 

 

 

 

Ritual Residue became a home away from home. A protective circle of crushed

red pepper surrounds a large handmade pillow (filled with herbs). Suspended

above the seat are a collection of hand dyed, waxed, sewn, and printed pouches

filled with objects of use and importance. The installation illustrates isolation and

solitude in the process of crafting objects and collecting memories and materials.