Artist Statement
As a naturally curious individual, I often wonder what drives people in crisis moments and I am fascinated by the consequences of thier actions. Shipwreaks, 20th century Chicago history and architecture, jigsaw puzzles, maps, World's Fairs, graveyards and museum display cases comprise just a few of my inspirational sources.
By incorporating nostalgic images and objects that collide and overlap, ultimately fusing the past and present, my work challenges and encourages the viewer to make personal discoveries, perhaps eliciting subconcious memories. Time is supended within the urban detritus and symbols break the surface. Clues may facilitate shared experiences, yet the story that unfolds is unique to each individual.
My Cornell-inspired shadowboxes are reminiscent of history museum dioramas; utilizing found objects, old medical pictures and puzzle pieces. Both the boxes and the multimedia collage assemblages I create incorporate dynamic juxtapositions of layered surfaces which restore the life of discarded and forgotten ephemera. Images and objects assimilated from snippets of historical text, domestic imagery, Time-Life magazines, pop culture advertising, flea market finds, garage sale bargains and railroad rubbish are fused into a visual diary of memory and myth, fact and fiction.
Artist Vitae
Experience
Outreach Director/Board Member, Hubbard Street Mural Project, Chicago, IL. 2001-2009
Docent, Glessner and Clarke House Museums, Chicago, 1997-1999
Gallery Sales, Arts & Artisans, Chicago, 1997-2003
Gallery Sales, Smith's Galleries, London, England, 1992-1993Outreach Director/Board Member, Hubbard Street Mural Project, Chicago, IL. 2001-2009
Exhibitions
Heartland Cafe, Chicago, Illinois, May-June 2010
Uncommon Ground, Chicago, Illinois, December 2008-February 2009
Painted Light, Chicago, Illinois, Andersonville Arts Weekend, October 2008
Midtown Marketplace, Rockford, Illinois, Spring Fling, April 2008
Midtown Marketplace, Rockford, Illinois, March 2008
Sip Coffeehouse, Chicago, Illinois, Urgent Lollygagging, February 2008
Chicago Art Open, Chicago, Illinois, October 2007
The Wooden Spoon, Chicago, Illinois, Andersonville Arts Weekend, October 2007
Beverly Arts Center, Beverly, Illinois, Needle and Nostalgic Fun (Group Exhibition), October-November 2006
Delilahs, Chicago, Illinois, Delilah's Winter Art Show (Group Exhibition), December 2004, 2005, 2006
Collections
DeLoitte & Touche, Chicago, Illinois - Permanent Collection
Suzanne L'Amoureux, Washington D.C., Private Collection
Karen Risinger, Chicago, Illinois - Private Collection
Jane Levine, Seattle, Washington - Private Collection
David Criner, Chicago, Illinois - Private Collection
Judy L'Amoureux, Arlington Heights, Illinois - Private Collection
Christa Annes, Highland Park, Illinois - Private Collection
Publications
Daily Southtown; 2006 - "Beyond Boundaries", Chicago Artist Month
Chicago Reader; 2006 - Arts and Events, The List
Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs; 2006 - Chicago Artist Month Brochure
Gallery Representation
Beverly Art Center
United State Capitol Building
Sip Coffeehouse
Midtown Marketplace
Mashed Potato Club
Wooden Spoon
Estudiotres
Affiliations
Chicago Artist Coalition
German-American National Congress (D.A.N.K.)
Woman Made Gallery
Chicago History Museum
Education
Northwestern University, Museum Studies, 2006-Present
Art Institute of Chicago, 1995
University of Illinois, Champaign, BFA, Major in Painting, 1988-1992
American Academy of Art, 1987
Awards
CAAP Grant, 2007
CityArts Grant, 2006
Chicago Artist Month Featured Artist, 2006
Helen E. Blake Award, International Travel, 1992
Oustanding Senior Painter Award, 1992
John C. Porter Congressional Award, selected piece displayed in the rotunda of the United States Capitol for one year