Introduction

Having spent years as a practicing neurologist and scientific researcher, struggling to fathom the workings of the human brain and the innumerable ways in which it can fail, I’ve been left with indelible impressions of our fragmentary understanding of the natural world, and the ephemeral nature of our existence.  My work is largely informed by these experiences as tangible, concrete representations of my contemplative observations.  My work has been further influenced by the study of eastern religion and philosophy, specifically, the notions of attachment and impermanence.

Methodologies and Media

Digital Fabrication

The aesthetic threads found throughout my body of work celebrate raw imperfection through a distressed, vintage, or unfinished appearance paired with rustic and industrial undertones. My palette leans toward earth tones further emphasizing the beauty that remains within reclaimed material its natural state. I attempt to remain apprised of the most recent technical advances in materials and processes, carefully integrating innovative enhancements into my workflow. This encompasses digital design and fabrication, which dovetail traditional techniques of carving, welding, and painting.

New Media

My artistic explorations include utilizing new media (electronics and code) to create unique, interactive works.  A recent series utilizes Raspberry Pi and Python to display live streaming tweets from around the globe.  The works query Twitter servers for selected keywords. The retrieved tweets are then displayed in real time at a rate that can be read and processed by the observer, with a specific intention in mind.  This living work represents a random sampling of the thousands of tweets sent out each hour from locations around the globe, a living testament to the similar challenges we all must face as part of one human race. 

Painting

My practice includes exploration and expression of ideas and emotions in the abstract. I follow a traditional painting style using acrylics and mixed media including found or repurposed elements and residual materials from sculpting.

Steel Sculpture

I work with sculptures fabricated from found or recycled steel.  My most recent body of work consists of figurative sculptures formed from discarded, rusted steel nuts and washers. The figures are intentionally created as fragments requiring the viewer to complete the form from their own perspective. They are meant to serve as stark reminders of both the strong yet fragile nature of existence, as well as our incomplete perception and understanding of the natural world. 

The fabrication process begins by sourcing uncoated steel hardware that have rusted from neglect and can no longer serve their original purpose.  After the rust has been removed, the nuts and washers are individually welded in heat-resistant molds. The models for the plaster molds are either "ready-mades" or created with digital and fused deposition modeling. Once assembled the pieces are finished with acrylic paint or patinas to either inhibit or hasten the natural oxidation process, mirroring health or disease states within the human organism.  

Stone Sculpture

My earlier work in sculpture consists of abstract forms carved in stone.  The forms consist of graceful curves suggestive of ideas or concepts.  Attention is paid to the mood each piece conveys to the viewer through the form and texture of the stone, holding in mind that a complete appreciation and understanding relies on the internal dialogue and relationship between viewer and sculpture.

The stone used for these works are discarded by a local gypsum quarry, where I collect them from the ground. Gypsum is essentially identical to alabaster in chemical composition, as well as feel and finish, with perhaps a bit more character.