Vanitas
This body of work is inspired by Dutch Vanitas Still Life paintings of the 16th and 17th centuries. These historically significant paintings relied on symbolism to serve as a reminder of the transience of life and a demonstration of wealth while also illustrating the importance of leading a virtuous and pious existence regardless of riches. I see a direct correlation between this painted display of ethics from the ages and the way we present our beliefs in contemporary American society. My use of antique infrastructure as armatures allows consideration for the historic and contemporary commonalities of past and present exploring things such as the brutality of cultural norms, delegation of class society and our interest with moralistic storytelling; virtue signaling.
An intense preoccupation with symbolism has led to a menagerie of thematic choices for these works such as the two pieces of "toast" being crafted from ash and bone. These sculpture’s detailed compositions and dedication to realism has a cinematic effect; the top half strives for a manifest destined perfection, while the lower half of the piece depicts decay. Yet, both behold contrary symbols depending on the viewers perspective.
By mimicking art-historical genres like Romanticism and Still Life painting I use the symbolism within to understand our contemporary collective identity in deceptively playful ways. I implement principles of theatricality and drama; as it is spectacle that seems to be the current prevailing mode of communication in our society.
An intense preoccupation with symbolism has led to a menagerie of thematic choices for these works such as the two pieces of "toast" being crafted from ash and bone. These sculpture’s detailed compositions and dedication to realism has a cinematic effect; the top half strives for a manifest destined perfection, while the lower half of the piece depicts decay. Yet, both behold contrary symbols depending on the viewers perspective.
By mimicking art-historical genres like Romanticism and Still Life painting I use the symbolism within to understand our contemporary collective identity in deceptively playful ways. I implement principles of theatricality and drama; as it is spectacle that seems to be the current prevailing mode of communication in our society.
American Still Life with buttered toast, apricot, white sand, rainbow and rock
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American Still Life with buttered toast, apricot, white sand, rainbow and rock, 2025, Plaster, ash & bone, epoxy clay, paint, resin, sand, vintage found objects, 16” x 9.75” x 3.5”
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American Still Life with moss, cheese, water, ice and cotton candy
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American Still Life with moss, cheese, water, ice and cotton candy, 2025, plaster, epoxy clay, resin, paint, silicone, styrofoam, found objects, 21” x 14.5” x 5”
American Still Life with hot cross bun, fig, walnut, ivy, crude oil and petroleum
American Still Life with hot cross bun, fig, walnut, ivy, crude oil and petroleum, 2025, Vintage found objects, styrofoam, plaster, silicone, paint, 12” x 7” x 5.25”
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