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Statement ~ 3-09

In 1906 William James, a pacifist, makes this observation: “the possibility of violent death [is] the soul of all romance.”

This romance of the West has been closely tied to my personal history. Here, a portrayal of strength and civic nationalism is paramount, as is a respect for violence as a historical proving ground. Within this ‘Culture of Honor’ manhood is developed through emulation and one’s salvation is earned through action. My current work is an investigation of the perception of power within such societal structures.

Travel and participation in a nomadic gallery has allowed me to further refine the form and content of the art through continual peer review and discourse with our patrons. The nature of the traveling gallery as well as the ability to discuss and receive feedback on these journeys has proven invaluable to the development and direction of the work. The expansion of ideologies through community inclusion creates a counterpoint to personal nostalgia while incorporating universal histories and accentuating fallible human desires.

My work is centrally concerned with the embodiment of power and masculinity. I work within ideas of balance, restraint, acceptance and memory as I explore the systems within society.