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Miscommunications is a series of mixed media, low relief, painted collages on canvas that resemble archaeological remnants containing messages written using unfamiliar alphabets, symbols, or pictorial languages. The symbols or characters depicted on the canvases could be an undiscovered ancient language or pictorial system, a secret alphabet of the artists invention, or even a modern form of communication displaced from its original context, creating mystery or new meaning.
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These works represent the human need and struggle to express ourselves, be understood by others, and to comprehend our world with respect to the messages we receive through others; directly or indirectly. Whether it be the need to understand our past and the messages left behind in order to better understand our world, or the challenge of translating the languages of those who communicate differently- when misunderstood; disorientation, disconnection, and questions of identity can emerge.
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These “artifacts” are meant to be discovered by the viewer and trigger the impulse to decode their messages, and experience the unending struggle to comprehend that which may or may not ever be understood…
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The works in the series utilize a variety of collage materials including sand, toothpicks, pipe cleaners, dried beans, packaging twine and other household materials. The materials are applied in layers and painted with acrylic paints and glazes, sometimes using mica powders to create a shimmering or metallic finish. Future works will include messages using visual Morse code, cuneiform, and pictorial symbols designed by the artist. Custom commissions are also available allowing the collector to choose their own visual language and personalized message.
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Miscommunications: Can you see? (Braille), 2008, (above, right) is a work in the series that uses Braille to communicate a plea to “be seen,” that is universal, but not always responded to. The translation of the Braille message reads: you still do not understand me you only believe what you see what will it take to open your eyes to look at yourself and to finally see me. The actual work is in low relief collage (acrylic paints/glazes, sand, dried beans, plaster, mica powders) on canvas, and can be read through touch, as customarily done by a blind reader, but for the sighted viewer unfamiliar with Braille, the literal message is visually abstracted and completely obscured.
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Come for a (virtual) studio visit to see some Miscommunications in progress!
