My work draws on the metaphors shared by language and textiles. Like language, textiles are created by a finite number of essential units that yield infinite creative possibilities. Many of the processes I use in my work are drawn from textile traditions and are based on elements that, through repetition, layering, and transformation, generate a structure. I am engaged by the concept of a universal grammar shared by all people, regardless of their native language. The elegance of this theory has led me to consider the poetic qualities of grammar and has suggested visual possibilities that I explore through the materiality of ink, paint, paper, and thread.
Thread is a central element in my work, giving it both physical and metaphorical structure. In making this work, I also consider the associations provided by commonplace items such as marking tags and map pins. In recent pieces, I have created a “chalkboard” of panel, paper tags or hand-woven cloth to use as the site for my investigations, allowing me a space in which to literally work out my ideas. Handwritten words, threads, tags, and map pins allow me to explore ways of marking aspects of language structure.
Education
2002 Tyler School of Art, Temple University, Elkins Park, PA MFA, Fibers
1994 Massachusetts College of Art, Boston, MA BFA, Painting, with Distinction Departmental Honors, Fine Arts 2D Area
1985 University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA MA, Spanish Literature and Linguistics, with Distinction
1980 University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA BA, Spanish, summa cum laude
Awards & Honors
2009 Fellowship, Career Development Program, The Center for Emerging Visual Artists, Philadelphia, PA
2002 Tuition Scholarship, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
2001 University Fellowship, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
2008 Guest Speaker, Art Club, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
2004 Adjunct Assistant Professor, Crafts Department, Fibers Area, Tyler School of Art, Temple University, Elkins Park, PA
2002 Adjunct Faculty, Foundations Department, Tyler School of Art, Temple University, Elkins Park, PA
Exhibitions
Solo
2008 Social Fabric: An Exhibition to Mark the Constitution of Ticino, commissioned for the international conference, “Why Italian Switzerland?” Logan Hall, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
2007 Marking Language, InLiquid at the Bride, Painted Bride Art Center, Philadelphia, PA