Before the Fall
Lightjet print - 36" X 24" - 2007
This work draws inspiration from timeless childhood memories of growing up in rural Pennsylvania. The picturesque seasons of spring and summer were my favorite time of the year. Every year, I would wander into the backyard and listen to the baby Robins chirp in their nest tucked away in the pine trees - those joyous sounds would make me yearn to look at them - but natures’ barriers would never allow me the satisfaction.
These wishful desires would be fulfilled every summer, though with the silence of the birds, I would ultimately discover them lying on the grass, dead or dying. This memory has always been a mixture of emotions; my love for animals would leave me traumatized yet there was this underlying, human need to view reality.
Life is filled with absolutes and abstracts, there is truth in beauty that cannot be imagined and yet there exists the morbid actuality of death. The doll in this work depicts the bird still in the nest, waiting – but what is it waiting for? Its’ mother approaching, a predator or perhaps impending doom - what is it that the bird goes through - just before the fall?
Self
Lightjet print - 30" X 40" - 2007
“Self” is an introspective view into understanding one’s self and being optimistic against all the odds despite the gloomy clouds that sail above. Every individual attempts to comprehend life beyond the ordinary range of perception, thus achieving a balanced state of being. The Hundu philosophy defines this experience as the opening of the “Third Eye” where vision is not limited to sight, but goes beyond the realm of perception and understanding. The eye moves the individual to the platform of being accompanied by supreme knowledge and powers; yet, with the utmost humility.
Transformation
Lightjet print - 36" X 40" - 2007
Every relationship follows a path of evolution, growth, difficulty, final maturity and then calm. And, as we learn to make sense of them, we nurture and tender them with care - not always understanding why they sometimes slip away from us. This piece speaks of the relationship I share with my sibling - its growth and efflorescence into something unexplainable. Its reaches are beyond my understanding - yet, they seem so subtle and natural - defining themselves in name alone.
Siren of the Sea
Lightjet print - 30" X 40" - 2007
The ocean has forever been intriguing and mysterious to me and as a child I always desired to explore it - often creating fantastical imagery and magnificent underwater visions of mermaids, seashells and vibrant green kelp. These wondrous daydreams would transport me into fantasia and weave moments that would engulf me in bliss.
Encircled
Lightjet print - 36" X 24" - 2007
The encounter with emotions has always been one of my fondest memories, when I would not verbalize them but rather, simply experience them. My life pivoted around warm memories of being surrounded by the absolute beauty of nature and allowed me to intensely feel a sense of euphoria. The brilliant images of nature - plants, trees, flowers and insects - all contributed to these feelings. I reflect on the past and see myself encircled by these exquisite thoughts.
Sanitized
Lightjet print - 36" X 24" - 2007
A significant part of my youth was spent trying to understand the stringent restrictions imposed upon me. I lived my young life in a regulated space, which was painstakingly organized and unrealistically sparkling. A vibrant memory that transcended into living in defined environs - with frothy soapsuds, harsh sanitizers and all things hygienic - I felt trapped in a bubble about to burst. Over time, these compulsions became infectious and one day, I awoke to find myself firmly within their grip.