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This video, in two parts, gets to the heart of the whole series, “They Call Me Coyote”.
The first movie, "Crimes Against Conformity", begins with a reflection in a pool, representing a mirror of personal reflection and recollection. A place in which memories replay in a vague and solitary way, as memories often do. A story of living, conflict, judgement and loss plays out; with Sister Shotgun walking away from it all. She ultimately calls on a higher power: the Coyote. An animal that walks between two worlds; traditionally seen as sneaky, clever, and cunning, with a skill for survival.
The second movie, "They Call Me Coyote", begins with a rendition of a traditional Hispanic folk song. Historical context is provided for the term "Coyote", as the hand of the creator paints. The conceptual aspect of this series takes the use of the word coyote to an illogical conclusion, thus reclaiming and transforming it.
This is a presentation of 3 short movies featuring Sister Shotgun, a character from my current series of art, “They Call Me Coyote”. The series currently features paintings and movies. Join me as Sister Shotgun ceremoniously suits up, then go back to another time, finally, listen along as she raises her voice in song.
40”x 32”. Synthetic Polymer Paint on Canvas.
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas. 40”x64”.
Acrylic on canvas. A view of my childhood and an exploration of connection. I was almost a teenager when for the first time, a phone line was connected to my home. It provided a connection to the outside world that I'd never experienced before. While there are several themes expressed through the symbolism in this landscape, the one of utmost importance are the lines running through and casting shadows over this landscape. I watched from the seat of my bicycle the day the lines connected my house to the outside world. It was rare to not have a telephone in the 80s, and I recall the day with great significance.
Acrylic on Canvas.
Synthetic Polymer Paint on canvas. 20” by 16”.
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas. 20” by 16”.
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas. 16” by 20”.
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas. 16” by 20”
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas. 20” by 16”.
Acrylic on canvas. 16” by 20”. A work inspired by the Black Cat fireworks.
Acrylic on canvas. 20” by 16”.
Acrylic on wood panel. 20.5” by 23”. Wood panel is cut in the shape of the mouth.
Acrylic on canvas, 20” x 16”. The EverReady Battery 9 Lives Cat.
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas. 24" by 24".
Synthetic polymer paint on wood, 30.5” x 20.5” at widest points.
Synthetic polymer paint on wood 30” x 19”. A larger than life recreation of the MetroCard that enables one to go to larger than life places and experiences.
View one of “McRib is Back”. 2” x 4” x 1.5”.
View 2 of “McRib is Back”. 2” x 4” x 1.5”.
Mixed Media. Paper clay, ribbon, hardware, synthetic polymer paint.
14.5”x43”. Synthetic polymer paint on plywood.
14.5”x14.5”. Synthetic polymer paint and 18k gold Krylon on plywood.
20.75”x32”. Synthetic polymer paint on plywood.
24”x48”. Synthetic polymer paint on plywood.
Assemblage. 6”x9”x3”.
The BOOM! series was inspired by the Saturday morning cartoons I watched as a kid. Looney Tunes cartoons depicted explosions in such an artful way. My favorite character, Wile E. Coyote, was often misguided and overly ambitious. His self destructive tendencies are unrivaled. I often wonder what he would do with himself if he’d ever been successful at eliminating his only companion.
This series offers me the opportunity to explore and experiment with colors and brush strokes that I don’t typically use in my work. As well as ponder on my own self-destructive tendencies.
Hues of color inspired by the lifecycle of a blueberry explode from the center of this piece. They range from shades of blue and purple, to a pink blush, to a bright green-gold. Little flecks reminiscent of seeds fly out from the radius.
24”X16”. Acrylic on canvas.
BOOM! 5 is a circle skirt dyed with spectacular color! Unlike the rest of the series, this piece is wearable in a cotton circle skirt!
I’ve set out to capture child-like wonder in this series. I visited the depths of my own memory to recall what it felt like. I found myself recalling a love of pretty things, toys, and play. Most importantly, I recalled a feeling of joyful abandon. Transfixed in playfulness, I could find fun simply with a pretty dress and a toy. Never concerned with who’s looking or what they think.
This collection is ongoing.
Acrylic on canvas, 20”x16”.
Acrylic on canvas. Unframed with gallery edges. 36” by 48”.
A painting that captures the joy and imagination prompted by a cardboard box from the perspective of a child!
Acrylic on canvas, 24”x30”.
Acrylic on canvas, 24” by 30”.
Acrylic on canvas. 16” by 20”.
Acrylic on canvas. 16” by 20”.
Acrylic on canvas, 24”x30”.
Triptych depicting the motions and movements of a moment.
Mary Magdalene has long been the inspiration for art. From writings and studies to masterpieces in paint and sculpture. Here, my own take. Inspired by several pieces from the 1400s that depict Mary Magdalene covered in hair. I wanted to create my own version. I began by modifying a fur vest. Then taking photographs of the poses shown here. Then I began the paintings. The painting, “Mary’s Lament” required something more than just a fur vest. I created a fur costume and wore it for reference photos.
Legends of Magdalene extend far beyond biblical texts, which ultimately combined several Marys into one. One legend tells of Mary wandering in repentance in the desert until her clothing wore thin. She miraculously grew fur to cover her body. Another tells of Mary arriving on the shores of present day France, and living her life out in a cave. My images were inspired by the latter tales and images from the Renaissance.
The series is ongoing. Look for more paintings as I complete them.
Acrylic on canvas. 36 by 48 inches.
Acrylic on canvas. 16” by 20”.
Acrylic on canvas. 16” by 20”.
Acrylic on canvas. 16” by 20”.
These paintings are an exploration of the wild, untamed feminine, the “free spirit”, a force of nature. She is free, powerful, and focused.
"Surrender" captures a moment of contentment and peace. The figure stands stretching, peaches in hand, sunlight shining on her from above in a moment where she is completely comfortable in her own skin. The peach is often a symbol for prosperity and happiness. The muscadines behind the figure create a depth and mood while being symbolic of endurance and regeneration.
The female figure stands strong and powerful, bow at the ready. There’s a discomfort in viewing a bare breast so close to a taut bowstring, suggesting vulnerability despite the power of the pose. The archer’s gaze leads down the length of her arrow, towards a target out of frame. She is ready to shoot, but the look on her face suggests that her prey is in no danger. A gnarled tree stands grounded in the upper left corner. A symbol of wisdom and time, reaching its branches out over the archer.
Acrylic on canvas. 45.5”x65”
Acrylic on canvas. 16” x 20”.
Nature doesn’t dread the passage of time. She celebrates all the seasons! If she were a person, what would she wear? Vines, leaves, moss, and feathers.
Acrylic on canvas. 16” by 20”.
One pose, five studies in watercolor. Each 18”x24” on watercolor paper.
A variety of works prior to 2017. Included are works in digital format, digital photography, collage/mixed media and fabric.
All images are copyrighted.
2011. Digital Photograph.
The photograph is a self portrait in black and white. The subject is a harlequin, representative of "playing the fool". She peers through her fingers, as if unable to bear that which is unfolding before her. The hyper-exposure of the photograph emphasizes the vulnerable nature of the emotion (the subject is emotionally exposed). While the overall feeling and expression of the subject is in discomfort, the black and white color choice lends to a feeling of right and wrong.
2012. Mixed Media: photography, collage, colored pencil, pastel, acrylic, and thread.
Self portrait. The chest of the subject is exposed, revealing a broken heart. The heart itself is open in half, and engulfed in flame. There are indications of old wounds on the heart, stitches having sewn them back together. Flames rise up around the subject, and wisps of hair blowing about the subject's head take on flame-like qualities. Smoke rises in the background.
2010. Mixed Media: photography, collage, acrylic, colored pencil, rhinestones.
The subject sits on a chair in a dreamlike landscape. Red curtains enclose the piece, giving a sense of a theater. Sunset or sunrise looms in the distance over a mountain top. Rhinestone stars twinkle in the dark of the sky.
2012. Digital Photograph.
Conveying an uncomfortable emotion of contrition: remorse and regret.
2012. Digital Photograph.
Cogitation: the state of deep self reflection and contemplation.
2013. Approximately 6' x 6'. Spray paint.
2003. Handbag: hand dyed cotton, velvet, and various fabric.
2003. Handbag: satin, cotton fabric, and hand painted canvas.
2003. Handbag: satin, lace, chain, padlock.
2003. Handbag: satin.
I most commonly create themed series of paintings in acrylic. But there are other mediums that I use as well: watercolor, pencil, collage, paper mache, sewing, textile dye, and photography. I’ve recently begun creating digital performative art films to offer a depth and variety to my collections for a digital age. A childlike sensibility reflects in my work in themes of joy, playfulness, and happiness. Encompassing a whimsical range of emotions. By contrast, other works tackle more difficult emotions like contentment, disappointment, isolation and contrition, for example.
My work is about the progression of time by capturing moments, moods and feelings. These are deeply personal, so I often use my own image. Experiencing a full range of emotions is part of the human experience, despite this, individuals can often feel isolated in them. There’s a vulnerability in creating self-portraits, and I want my art to evoke a sense of commonality in the shared human experience.
Simply by living, I find inspiration and themes for my work. Life has a way of offering challenges, new emotions and experiences that I want to express and share through my art. Once I’ve settled on a theme, I may design a corresponding wardrobe to support it. I take photographs in a carefully selected location, many of which are of myself: interacting with the space in a variety of poses and drawing on the emotion I intend to convey . The look and feel of a landscape is an important aspect of conveying the mood. I then use the photos for reference for the paintings.