2006 Joyous Solitude Creating this image of the pine branch was something directly from childhood that I had come to find comfort in, just outside my window. This image brings me joy and fond memories of my grandparents, with whom I felt safe, loved and protected. This was not something I felt often in the presence of my parents. When I moved into an apartment alone, recreating that sense of safety was significant to my emotional well-being.
2012 Outside looking in - Codependency As a child I suffered from psychological neglect, which left me stranded in a sea of self-doubt. When I made this photograph I thought it was beautiful, but it signified longing and loneliness within my marriage. What I didn't realize at the time was that my partner was suffering as well.
Solitude & sadness The unraveling of a marriage and the loss of a home.
Solitude & sadness Part 2 Empty rooms
2010 Fire and Ice As my mother's mental health worsened she became increasingly selfish and narcissistic. There would be an occasional fleeting glimmer of pride for me, that is what I feel I captured in this photo. It was a look I would often see as a child, prior to my mother lapse from reality in my late teens. Her recent passing has me reflecting on these softer moments.
My Father & his Father's portrait. My Grandfather passed away when my Father was sixteen, the eldest of six children, leaving the family with little resources. The trauma from his passing would echo through our lives for decades.
The Next Chapter the passing of my Grandmother the reluctant matriarch
Diana and nature (double exposure)
Contemplation
2012 Triptych Inspired by the Merode Alterpiece by Robert Campin Inspired to recreate a modern version that didn't discriminate against my way of life. The left panel replaces the donors with a same-sex married couple on their journey to create a family. The central panel recreates Gabriel bringing the news to Me that it is time for my insemination. the right panel shows my partner preparing a doll house for our new baby
Kitchen "Cell" inspired by Louise Bourgeois this is an on-going project of my childhood kitchen where joy & sorrow oscillated.
2005 Political Climate During my bachelor's artistic exploration, we were asked to create a visual artwork for the events we were seeing around us in the world and how this affected us. When I was contemplating what I would create to represent those thoughts and feelings, I kept coming to dead ends. So I wanted to know how other people felt - Was I the only person thinking that? I posed these questions and asked for anonymous opinions. I didn't get many answers, and I am still curious. This was my early attempt for crowdsourcing information, which social media now regularly offers, from millions of voices and all walks of life.
2020 Protest I was aware of the creation of BLM in 2013 but didn't give it much thought. I am grateful for this additional awareness at a tremendous cost of black life that affirms that there will always be an equitable and present teacher for all students. I challenge myself daily to remain vigilant about my own biases. I felt compelled to be present in places where people collectively gathered to insist on equal rights for all, not just some. When we lift some, we lift all.
2019 Wolf The collage depicts a wolf in motion, traveling alone, across a frozen, cloud-filled landscape. The wolf is defined as moving, perhaps running or hunting, suggesting that it is in a state of constant exploration and searching. The background of icy and cloudy (with unfamiliar language) terrain further emphasizes the sense of confusion and unfamiliarity that can come with being in a new and unknown place. Overall, the piece conveys the feeling of being in a state of solitude, exploring new territory, and facing uncertainty, suggesting that even when we are alone, we are still constantly on the move, searching and learning
Frederick by Leo Lionni collage recreation to assist in student reading comprehension
Frederick by Leo Lionni collage recreation to assist in student reading comprehension
Self Portrait
Series
2003 - Current
Recent separation seeks to examine how it's possible that one can pick up the pieces after a separation. the rug pulled from under them, the subject will need to completely reinvent themselves to survive. This self-portrait series aims to reconnect the subject to her physical body. In an attempt to recover from a physical illness and codependency the subject that had previously photographed themselves, are now rarely able to. Seeking to rediscover and find intimacy with The Self.
Long Island Estuaries
Series
2017-Present
As someone who grew up on Long Island and was always curious about the local history. I noticed the little houses that dotted the bay waters, along the coastline of Long Island. I remember zipping off to the beach as a teenager, as we crossed the bridges to Lido beach there they were glimmering on the bay like bright stars of the night sky: I was infatuated.
Exploring the estuaries and the history of Long Island, I realized it was always a dream of mine to photograph the bay houses of Nassau county. I have been participating in the documentary of the bay houses of Long Beach, Freeport, and Merrick since 2013 and will continue this upcoming summer.
East End
2014 - Present
The east end of Long Island provides me with serenity, It is one of the reasons why I have not relocated. Traveling east can quickly bring me a sense of peace as well as a place of creative refuge. These images serve as a record of moments in deep contemplation of creativity.
Urban Landscapes
Series
1990 - Present
I have always been Enamored with the grittiness of New York City, its decay, and its regeneration. The beauty of the changing city presents. Capturing this juxtaposition within this series explores the evolution and loss of many stories.
The Confidant
2014 - Present
When considering adopting an animal, I weighed the decision heavily. My partner at the time was more impulsive and craved love over responsibility. When the time came, I felt we chose each other. Sofie is an incredible presence in my life. The relationship between us is more significant than anything I could have imagined. When I thought about photographing animals, I only thought that you have to trick them into staying still. What I didn't anticipate was the exchange of emotions and acknowledgment. I didn't know that animals chose their people until I was chosen. This series explores the special bond between myself and Sofie, my now eleven-year-old Viszla
Chair Installation
2008
In honor of my late Grandmother, in an attempt to capture the matriarch and only family member that felt like a connecting force within my family, I seek to show the ways in which she tied us together. I portray this, by choice of material that the rocking chair is wrapped in, as well as the seat that is literally strung together with yarn. Yarn is used to represent a traditional feminine fiber. A complete installation was created to honor the life of someone - I sought structure and support when the burdens of parentified childhood became overwhelming.
The chair is installed in the corner of a room with intimate lighting. Her favorite blue and white plate is on the wall, to the right of the chair. The other wall holds a muffin tray, she and my Grandfather loved baking for their family. We spent many days bonding while baking. Her sewing bag is resting on the seat, open for the viewer to look inside and discover photographs from her life. The viewer is encouraged to explore and uncover these photos of her life. There are additional artifacts, crochet needles, a swatch from a beloved afghan, a letter, and a medication package from cancer treatment.
Body Casting
Process
Current Project
This concept was born from a diagnosis of an autoimmune condition known as endometriosis. I was feeling as if I had no control over my body . The pain and suffering would come every month, and felt as if i had few options, due to the lack of answers from my doctors. This conceptual piece is still in process, exploring materials and the best way to express my experience with this illness. I am looking forward to working on this concept further in my MFA education.
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