THE NARRATIVE SETS

 

Each piece of art I create is part of what I call a Narrative Set. The Narrative Set is a term I use to describe my art and how one piece relates to the next in a conceptual series. Although I from time to time will create individual pieces that are designed to stand alone, my primary focus is in the creation of Narrative Sets with my art. 

 

In its simplest form the Narrative Set is a grouping of pieces of art that relate to each other and tells a story, conveys a theme, emotion, or concept of thought. Most of my art begins with an idea or concept that becomes the inspiration for a Narrative Set. 

 

The Narrative Sets that I focus upon in my work are most commonly guided by core concepts: the dichotomy, influence and interaction between past and future, and the visual display of complex data, patterns, thoughts or emotions.   

 

CONCEPTUAL INSPIRATION

 

A number of things inspire my art, but specific themes are apparent. The most common conceptual inspirations in my art are: 

 

Time - The past and future are two concepts that fascinate me.  The interaction of these two aspects appear often in my work, both consciously and subconsciously. 

 

Data – Behind everything is data, and I see my work not just as an expression of an emotion or thought, but bodies of expression supported through data and information. Even in my pieces which most appear to be merely a visceral expression of emotion – data is usually at the core and it is the search for that data and its underling pattern which underlies most of my work. 

 

Repetition – Things repeat. This seems, to me, to be a basic tenet of life and history. Repetition can often be seen in my individual works, as well as throughout the Narrative Sets and even between them. 

 

Research Support - Most of my pieces site data or concepts used on the reverse of each piece – sometimes that citation is brief and sometimes it is more detailed. 

 

Hidden Meaning – My art often works on the premise that there is hidden meaning in most things and often times that meaning is more apparent than we first realize. Sometimes my pieces and the meaning are obvious, other times that meaning is subtle and must be translated or experienced from the work. 

 

Words and Text – The meaning, visual aspect of letters and words, the combined meaning of text, and pattern of those words influence me. I believe not only can words, text and their meaning be beautiful, but they have a deeper ability to convey both meaning and emotion. Words, letters and text appear often in my work.

 

Numbers – Numbers to me are both elegant and severe. They have the ability to convey fact elegantly through their simplicity, but are severe in the sense that they are one of the only aspects in life that does not change. 1 = 1. The basis laws of math do not alter. Numbers on their own, in patterns or representing concepts appear frequently in my work. 

 

Layers – Much of my art uses the technique of layering – layering of paint, text, and numbers. Each layer tells part of the story and although most layers remain hidden they are integral to the final piece.