My
work is concerned with narrative and symbolism. It is an investigation
of images of personal significance and an attempt to translate the personal
into a universal reading by using symbols and metaphor. Visual storytellers
Lynd Ward and Frans Masereel, as well as comix and graphic artists are
an influence in much of my work. The visual iconography of Medieval
woodcuts and altarpieces serve as inspiration and a system of communication
based on images and commonly understood symbols as opposed to reliance
on the written word.
In creating these small dramas and narratives in my work, I am interested
in exploring relationships, identity, memory and the shaping of the
self. While many of the images I identify with have strong universal
symbolism, they also serve as personal icons with varied meanings, used
to create ambiguous stories within stories. The bird is commonly recognized
as a symbol of freedom but could also be a spiritual guide, a messenger
& muse or perhaps an antagonist and detractor. A crown may represent
power and divinity, or a personal goal, an ideal to strive for, fulfillment
and understanding. An image I have drawn for years, it is only recently
that I discovered the name Stephanie means crown in Greek.
Currently my work addresses the nature of personal faith. How does one
make the distinction between chance and fate? Perhaps the answers to
my questions are written in the stars or etched into the wrinkles of
the palm- a personal history recorded, predetermined and arranged like
the structure of one’s DNA.
In an effort for understanding and determining their course in the world,
humans have always used images and rituals to help divine truth. My
series of prints based on playing cards refers to this tradition as
well as representing the allure of chance. Significantly, playing cards
are linked to the early history of woodcuts, a history that embraces
the sacred and the profane. The popularity of these devices of fortune
telling, satire, and gambling, rivaled that of images of Saints and
other devotional prints.
I explore superstition and ritual as both process and content. The medium
I choose to work in, printmaking is often thought of as mysterious in
its chemistry and procedure. The repetitive and time consuming nature
of cutting the block, charging the roller and inking the image serve
as important rhythms and rituals done just so or otherwise risk a ruined
impression. In this activity of art making I attempt to synthesize the
unforeseen forces in life with everyday relationships and the meaning
that these relationships deliver.
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