Artist Statement
I am a shop rat. My father is an
automotive paint and body man by trade; consequently I grew up quite literally in
the shop. My first in-depth interaction with the use of material, shape, form, and
volume resulted from direct contact with automobiles. A meticulous craftsman,
my father awed me with his ability to control material, achieving purely
seductive finishes that literally made you want to reach out and touch them. I
credit him for my love of cars and motorcycles as a visual language, as well as
my technical skill set.
Through my engagement with automotive and motorcycle culture and the use of the technical skill set inherent to them I create a platform in which to explore contemporary issues and describe them visually through material. This engagement ultimately leads to the exploration of what it means to be a young, reckless male navigating through contemporary culture with high art interests and a low brow upbringing. The product, usually a three dimensional object becomes a catalyst for thought through pointed material choices.
Through my engagement with automotive and motorcycle culture and the use of the technical skill set inherent to them I create a platform in which to explore contemporary issues and describe them visually through material. This engagement ultimately leads to the exploration of what it means to be a young, reckless male navigating through contemporary culture with high art interests and a low brow upbringing. The product, usually a three dimensional object becomes a catalyst for thought through pointed material choices.