my approach
There are a few concepts that guide my approach to art and life, which I see as core to my creative expression.
flow
Flow is a concept coined by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi that refers to a mental state of complete immersion and focus in the creative process where time and other concerns disappear. It is an intrinsically rewarding experience because the process is more valuable than the end result. I consider art making to be a spiritual practice that is as essential to my mental wellbeing as exercise or psychiatric medication. Art is a restorative antidote to being oriented to justice in a grossly unjust world.
wabi sabi
The Japanese philosophy and aesthetic of wabi sabi finds beauty in imperfection and impermanence. In contrast to Western ideals of machine-made slickness and sterility, wabi sabi appreciates natural life cycles and the aging and decay that is an essential part of that process. The passage of time leaves marks, and I believe these marks should be preserved. Flaws, repairs and mistakes are signs of authenticity, not defects.
stretchiness
With climate catastrophe already upon us I believe there is something to be learned from my natural inclination towards living in a lean, frugal manner. Consumerism and fast fashion have us hooked into a lethal cycle of more at the expense of the lives of people deemed less valuable by the capitalist powers that be. My art urges viewers to adopt what author Scott Sonenshein calls “stretchiness”, asking “what can I do with what I already have?” It bypasses the paralyzing trap of waiting to get more in order to do more. With this mindset, constraints become opportunities.