At age 12, I underwent surgery for idiopathic scoliosis to correct a 102-degree curvature of the spine. I spent the next year and a half in a brace to further correct the curvature. As a child facing surgery, I was the only one I knew to have experienced such a thing. Today I find that art lends itself to sharing of experiences. My work is imbued with personal experience, but I do not seek a solely personal journey.

Over the years I have maintained this connection to the visual art that I create. Through my art, I have put my experiences out in the open in the hopes that I will intrigue the curious, stimulate discussion, and be a role model for those with similar physical challenges.

Primarily my work within the theme of medicine and childhood experience was centered around metal. The metal I worked with acted as a symbol for the appearance of strength and stability. Conversely, the metal on the inside of one's body stood as an aid - used to support and correct. Recently I have become interested in the printmaking arts which use metal in a different, less sculptural fashion than my previous pieces, "The Iron Upright" and "Fancy".  I wish to explore the creative possibilities that printmaking allows while continuing to explore the themes that have always pervaded my work.

© 2007

EXHIBITIONS
2010.    Revealing Culture, VSA International Festival. Smithsonian Institution, S. Dillon Ripley Center, 
           International Gallery. Washington, DC. Currently on view from June 8 - August 29, 2010.
           Read the Washington Post's mention here.

2009.    ArtWalk Ravenswood, Chicago School of Woodworking. Chicago, IL
            Labor/Labour, Hot Shops Art Center. Omaha, NE

2008.    ArtWalk Ravenswood, Chicago School of Woodworking. Chicago, IL
               Selections from the Crazy Eights, Jewish Community Center, Omaha, NE
           The Crazy Eights and the 88 Lesser Themes, Hot Shops Art Center, Omaha, NE
               eMotion Pictures: An Exhibition of Orthopaedics in Art, Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons,
            Moscone Center, San Francisco, CA
            Cultural Center, Chicago, IL

2007.   The Most Artist Friendly Art Auction, ArtWalk Ravenswood. Chicago, IL
          Disabilities Studies in Education Conference. Arts Club of Chicago, Chicago, IL

2006.   ArtWalk Ravenswood. The Chocolate Factory, Chicago, IL
          Navigation/Negotiation. Gene Siskel Film Center, Chicago, IL

2004.   Alumni Art Exhibition. Kreeger Gallery, Potomac, MD

2002.   Undergraduate Exhibition. The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC),
            847 W. Jackson, Chicago, IL
          CODE. 1926 Exhibition Studies Space, Chicago, IL

1999.    First Year Exhibition. Gallery 2, Chicago, IL

BIBLIOGRAPHY
2009.    "The Donated Art Project, A Collection of Art & Poetry"
            A compilation of art and poetry, made solely of contributions from artists in the USA,
            United Kingdom, and Latvia. All proceeds from this book will benefit our friend
            Stephanie Bargequast, who is disabled and unable to work.

2008.    "eMotion Pictures: An Exhibition of Orthopaedics in Art". Exhibition Catalog.
            San Francisco: Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2008.

2002.   "Creative Currents: The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, 2002 - 2003".
             Prospective Student Catalog
            "Exhibition Studies: rethinking exhibition, curation, & interpretation. Book 4". Exhibition Catalog