First of Many

"All In The Details", mixed media on panel, 24" x 24"

DAY ONE of graduate school consisted of being told in multiple situations to push boundaries, explore mediums, and to basically use the 1st quarter of graduate school to do anything you ever wanted to do with your work.

Apart from making me feel like a schizophrenic, these are actually very inspiring instructions.

I have always loved mixed media work, admired it for it's many layers and texture, and for a while have found myself gravitating towards mixed media pieces more often than paintings at gallery exhibitions. However, I am a painter, and thus have written off any sort of whim to explore mixed media; that is, until now.

Behold my first attempt at mixed media on panel. The concept of the piece is based on southern female etiquette, and the expectations that stem from it. The piece above concerns that matter of hosting a formal lunch for a group of women. Reflecting on the way I was raised, there are certain preparations and necessities one would need to accomplish; lists are made, linens are dry cleaned, china, silver, serving dishes, (the meal!) is prepared, planned, and perfected. All of these things are examined, layered, and surround the final product which is seen in the central (vintage) photograph of the smiling women having their lunch. All of this, all this preparation and {really} ritual is commented upon, and begs to be asked, "Was it worth it?"

What do you think?

Working With My Hands

"Baking 1", oil on canvas, 36" x 60"

A quick Sunday evening hello, I thought a glimpse of the finished painting was deserved (after the partial viewing from the last post). The series will focus more on the practice and sensual nature of baking, an activity that is commonly thought of as task for professional bakers and women, and the beauty of the motions that require such action.

Greetings From Grad School

Please excuse my internet absence, but indeed my first quarter as an MFA painting candidate has begun. All of my preconceived notions of the program have been just about on point: it is very overwhelming (not just the course load but the amount of information thrown at me), inspiring (my program has a sooo many talented and varied artists that it borders on being just plain intimidating), exciting (there is an air of "Look what I can do!" that encompasses the campus), and very much a smoker's paradise (which as most of you know I am an avid runner as well, so if you're looking for me outside the building I am the girl with the large water bottle and turkey sandwich amongst the sea of cigarettes. Give me a couple of weeks and I will probably have a mask on to boot).

What I really wanted to say, however, is that the biggest aspect about the program is that it requires I have several bodies of work going at once (and breathe). The above image is a work in progress of a 36" x 60" painting of hands creating apple tarts (Shout out to the lovely team at BakeShop, who were ever so patient with me taking over 300 photographs last week at 6am). I am also creating a body of work (consisting of mixed media, particularly old family photographs) commenting on the dual roles of modern American women, and also a body of work, also mixed media based, commenting on the necessity of female etiquette in the South.

Lots to do, and the posts might not be as regular, but check in on me: The next couple of years are going to be fun!

For Manhattan's Elite

"Chanel Is Always Appropriate", oil on canvas, 24" x 24"

Continuing with the label series and how it adds value and appeal to the most mundane of objects, I've made an apple right off the set of Gossip Girl. The apple is given an expensive sex appeal (take from that what you will) not just due to the iconic Chanel label plastered on the curve, but the sheen + rich crimsons of the apple itself gives a feel of refinement + luxury.

On the other hand, my intention for the label on an apple also draws parallels to Snow White and her poisonous apple. They say money is the root of all evil, and who can deny that expensive designer labels and the desire to "Keep up with Joneses" doesn't add fuel to that fire.

I'll take my poison with a side of Chanel: $500.00 (+ tax and shipping) EMAIL ME

"Paint By Numbers", oil on canvas, 16" x 16"

Part romance, part kitschiness, part traditional. With Fall quickly approaching, school almost in session (at least for me, I begin my graduate studies in less then a week) I felt the sudden need for a change in palette and revert back to tradition; warmer tones, freshly sharpened pencils. All of this is what I believe translated into a strong desire upon waking this morning to set up a massive still life, just as if I were in art class, and paint away. This is only one of a series I hope to display in a show later this Fall.

LOVE THIS, GOTTA HAVE IT! $200.00 (+ tax and shipping) EMAIL ME