THE TIMES: A Long Fermentation Process
I can only start to work on a piece when there is a confluence of image or subject with a particular paper. At the same time, I consider the methodology I want to employ (e.g. printing, painting, tearing, burning, etc.). For me, paper is not only a surface for the image but a painting and sculpting material in and of itself to be transformed into an element of the image. I never throw away an interesting scrap of paper – some date back to my early experiments in printing and papermaking. And I’ve been collecting newspaper photographs back to when color was first introduced in their printing. All of this is a protracted process. In my first blog post in May 2020, I acknowledged a cache of art papers that made sense for a new series, and this series was just recently completed. People are always asking, “How long did this piece take you to paint?” The answer is: “All of my life to the point of making it.”
It wasn’t until I began donating the balance of my collection of antique Japanese kimono in 2015 that I felt the pull of the kimono form as not only a “shaped canvas” but also as a vehicle for presenting some of the enduring themes in my art practice. I’ve utilized this format several times at this point.
THE TIMES – Kimono Series required a confluence of paper with subject along with the format and treatment. I had to determine the placement of images so as to utilize front and back, inside and out, to create a narrative, and a means of bringing the world of the photograph and the world of the paper together. It has taken 2-1/2 years to execute this series of 9 paper kimono.
THE TIMES – Kimono Series
To purchase a copy of THE TIMES monograph in print or PDF form, please click on the image.
THE TIMES has a double meaning: As a reference to the two newspapers (The New York Times and The Los Angeles Times) and to the timeliness of the subjects of the images collected from their pages. I have been concerned with issues of social justice and environmental crises for decades, which led me to collect newspaper photographs that I feel should become indelible – images to be burned into our collective conscience by canonizing them in an artwork.
These shaped canvases were constructed as a two-sided kimono to suggest that the finished art pieces were wearable and that the wearer thereby becomes an integral part of the condition of the subject depicted. (E.g. the viewer/implied wearer experiences the wars, the refugee crisis, the environmental crisis, etc.) Thus, the viewer wears and bears the tragedy.
Sacred Lands
When this edition was produced, the intention was to support the Standing Rock Sioux during their very public resistance of the Dakota Access Pipeline. The powerful photographs utilized on the front and back of this piece are by photographer Megan Louella Schoenbachler. Recently, we donated the balance of the edition to Lakota People’s Law Project to use to raise money and gain support for their ongoing struggle to protect their tribal lands.
For those who would like to take action in support of the ongoing effort to get the Dakota Access Pipeline removed from the ground, please visit this webpage where you can send a message to the Army Corps of Engineers.
Sacred Lands, 2017
a limited edition paper sculpture, color electrostatic print folded at the top with asphalt, signed and numbered
2023 Legendary Women Artists of Venice Awards
The VAC is pleased to announce that the 2023 Legendary Women Artists of Venice Award will be presented to film director Catherine Hardwicke, along with fine artist Sandy Bleifer and photographer Edizen Stowell.
I am honored to announce that I will be recognized at the “Legendary Women Artists of Venice” event on March 16, 2023, at The Gall3ry 1324 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, CA 90291, produced by the Venice Art Crawl .
If you can attend, it would be wonderful to see you there. To purchase tickets and for more information, please click here.
The Legendary Women Artists of Venice Award was established in honor of Women's History Month. The awards recognize the contribution of women to the arts and their profound impact on society. The awards are presented by the Venice Art Crawl and Venice Chamber of Commerce.
Legendary Women Artists of Venice recipients meet rigorous criteria of considerable accomplishment and contribution to the Arts and Venice Beach community -- each one has over 10 years of experience represented by their professional efforts, work, vision, and commitment. The award anticipates a lifetime of achievement for its recipients and the building of a new sisterhood in the Arts.
Funds raised at this event will help the VAC continue the preservation of the Arts in Venice.