Born: 1962 Tampa, Florida
Lives and works in Brooklyn, New York
In my work, I investigate the complex nature of existence and the tension that exists between chaos and order. I use a maximal presentation of abstract symbols in combination with representational imagery in my search for clues into the intricate systems that govern reality. I am interested in cycles and processes which are simultaneously microcosmic and macrocosmic, logical and cryptic, and explicit and vague. In my work I explore the tangled thread connecting man with nature.
The structure of the grid, with its alternating control and randomness, is simultaneously simple and complex. It allows me to explore a complicated iconography within an organized structure. The pattern established by the gridded format permits me to create paintings-within-paintings and worlds-within-worlds. The grid with its occasional shifts and disconnections mimics my struggle to understand the complexities of existence while holding the chaos temporarily in check.
I make collages as preparatory works and as springboards for my ideas in painting. The images gathered for my collages consist of close-up confrontations with nature; fragments explaining the similarities and differences between nature, man and technology; and small units suggesting the places where nature and culture interact. They are tangible accounts documenting my own participation within this highly involved reality. I find that the interrelationship between collage and painting and the collaboration between process and concept encourages the creation of less planned and more unexpected images.
Education
1983 MFA University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
1980 BFA University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Awards
2007 Pollock-Krasner Foundation, Inc
2002 Freundorfer Gallery, New York, NY
2000 The Ballinglen Arts Foundation Ltd, Ireland
1997 CAN, Philadelphia
1997 Pollock-Krasner Foundation, Inc
1996 Grant: The Pollock-Krasner Foundation
1994 Grant: Mid Atlantic/NEA Regional Felllowship (Painting)
1991 Residency: Camargo Foundation, Cassis, France
1990 Residency: Virginia Center for Creative Arts, Sweet Briar, VA
Selected Exhibitions
2007 Spencertown Academy Arts Center, Spencertown, NY
2007 Allen Gallery, New York, NY
2006 Watson Gallery, Stonington, Maine
2005 Von Liebig Art Center, Naples, FL
2003 Chandler Fine Art, San Francisco, CA
2001 Museo de las Americas, Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
2000 Galerie Industria, Wuppertal, Germany (1991,1992,1993,1994,1996, 1998, 1999)
1999 LewAllen Contemporary, Sante Fe, NM
1999 Barbara Gillman Gallery, Miami, FL
1999 Art in Embassies Program, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
1998 Simon Gallery, Morristown, NJ
1998 Indigo Gallery, Boca Raton, NJ
1998 Galerie Industria, Wuppertal, Germany ('94, '93, '92, '91)
1998 Cathy Clayton Gallery, Tampa, FL ('93)
1998 The Forum Gallery, Jamestown Community College, NY('92)
1997 Mira Mar Gallery, Sarasota, FL ('93)
1997 Steinbaum-Krauss Gallery, NYC
1997 Centro Cultural Costarricense NA, San Jose, Costa Rica
1997 The Art Exchange/Robert Gilson, NYC
1996 The Bronx Museum of the Arts, NY ('90, '88)
1996 University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
1996 Germantown Academy, Ft. Washington, PA
1995 The Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa, FL
1995 Loft Nota Bene, Cadaques, Spain
1995 Site de la Creation Franche, Begles, France
1995 City Without Walls, Newark, NJ
1994 Madelyn Jordon Gallery, NYC
1993 The Gallery, Three Zero, NYC
1993 Galerie A-16, Zurich, Switzerland
1993 Oberpfalzer Kunstlerhaus, Schwandorf, Germany
1992 Bernice Steinbaum Gallery, NYC ('90,’88)
1991 Ancien Musee des Automates, Paris, France
1991 Camargo Foundation, Cassis, France
1990 Millay Colony, Austerlitz, NY
1990 Seibu Corporation, Tokyo, Japan
1990 Zimmerman-Saturn Gallery, Nahville, TN
1989 Henry Feiwel Gallery, NYC
1988 The Drawing Center, NYC
1988 Paul Bridgewater Gallery, NYC
1988 White Columns, NYC
1988 Ruth Chenven Foundation INC, NY
1987 Amerika Haus Köln, and American Embassy, Bonn, Germany
1987 Fine Arts Museum of Long Island, Hempsteadf, NY
1985 Zaner Gallery, Rochester, NY
1984 Curacao Museum, Netherlands Antilles
Permanent Collections
Mint Museum of Art, Charlotte, NC
The Tampa Museum of Art, FL
Fine Arts Museum of Long Island, NY
University of South Florida Museum of Art, FL
The Gulf Coast Museum of Art, FL
Polk Museum of Art, FL
The Deland Museum of Art, FL
The US Department of State, Washington, DC
Centro Cultural Costarricense Norteamerican, San Jose, Costa Rica
Federal Reserve Bank, NY
Poynter Institute, FL