Showcase of Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors (SOURCE)

Hard Times Never Last

Scraps is a collection of work based on real objects and scenes that are typically overlooked. The installation consists of a series of paintings and a tattoo flash rack. I use painting as a tool to shine a spotlight on everyday objects. The tattoo rack is placed in the center of the room as the focal point of the exhibit. In its natural setting in a tattoo shop, the flash rack would be overlooked. Rather than containing examples of tattoos, I use the rack to hold a series of paintings. This series is about taking something mundane and bringing focus to it, making it fun.I see art-making as visual storytelling. Whatever art is made is meant to be viewed. Viewers do not often focus their attention on something like a ring of keys or a spray bottle. I put the viewer in a position to see the world around them with a more observing eye. I outline many of my subjects to draw attention to specific objects and scenes. I put a lot of focus on the colors and brush strokes of my work so that it is visually appealing. I focus on lots of everyday scenes, and I always use a brighter color palette than is found in nature.In scraps, I invite the viewer to look in a way that they might not typically look. The installation creates a story between the viewer and myself.