In contemporary society, the barrier between present and future is rapidly collapsing. The speculations of science fiction films and novels of the past have already been realized. I attempt to convey this phenomenon by juxtaposing “real” and “imagined” elements within visually disorienting spaces. Through establishing connections between seemingly unrelated forms in time and space, my work realizes a cataclysmic vision where forms are turned inside out and upside down, so that the viewer is unable to discern whether the spaces describe universal systems, terrestrial landscapes or microscopic processes.
To this end, the imagery in my work is derived from a variety of photographic sources including microscopic organisms, underwater creatures, landscapes, spacescapes, anatomical images, science fiction films and paranormal phenomena. These images conglomerate in my mind and in sketches, and finally appear on finished surfaces as windows into worlds that appear imaginary, but actually have a basis in reality.
These realistic abstractions are arrived at through an elaborate dance between chance and control. The imagery and the process are intended to add visual contrast to the work, and create emotional unease in the viewer. Juxtaposing images from the realms of science and fantasy illustrates the hazy line between the real and the imaginary, and directs our attention to the invisible mechanisms that construct the veils of everyday reality.
I want these images to spark curiosity on many levels: such as whether or not the organisms and environments represented are real or imaginary; internal or external; malignant or benign; asexual or sexual; dead or alive; native or alien. These “either/or” relationships enable us to organize the world, but are not as clearly defined as we would like to believe. At any moment, the imagination may creep into reality and transform it, and I am interested in creating images that open up a viewer’s mind to this possibility.