Arch 1997 45h x 44w x 4d	Arch 1997 Detail	Arrow 1997 47h x 47w x 4d	Arrow 1997 Detail	Bite 1997 45.5h x 48.75w x 4d	Bite 1997 Detail
Niche  1997 45h x 42w x 4d	Niche  1997 Detail	Numberone  1997 43.5h x 45.75w x 4d	Numberone  1997 Detail	Sliver  1997 40.75h x 48.25w x 4d	Sliver  1997 Detail

"L"  1997 43.5h x 45.75w x 4d

Artist Statement

This work is from the series, "Appropriated Boundaries". In 1997 it was exhibited in Pittsburgh in the Three Rivers Art Festival and in a one person exhibition at the Biggin Gallery at Auburn University.

The imagery derived from appropriated picture frames attempts to relate to architecture's function of bordering or delineating one area of activity from another. Sometimes this is accomplished, at other times, not. This suggests a process of attaching varying degrees of cultural value to one activity over another. Viewers are invited to question their initial preconceptions concerning relative value and cultural significance.

A middle class, suburban, background has led me to a keen awareness of the cultural significance of boundaries. Boundaries express ownership and control. They create hierarchies and are exclusive. Boundaries may be viewed simultaneously as both positive and negative forces preventing society from falling into anarchy or achieving utopia. The consequence of this is the existence of an inherent dynamic tension in society: a constant state of flux.

Process and Materials

Images are drawn or collected from mass media sources, digitized, combined, contained, and manipulated with the assistance of a computer. This process, while utilizing technology, embodies the same aesthetic and empirical decision making that is applied to painting or drawing with traditional media. Ink jet or laser prints of the selected images are applied directly to drawing paper. This is attached to 2" polystyrene architectural sheathing. Surface physicality is built up by the addition of acrylic gel applied in transparent glazes. The frames are integral with the work, sculpted from polystyrene and surfaced with synthetic stucco. The final step is the application of an ultra violet light inhibiting varnish.