For those who follow my work...
I've never really tried to explain where my creative energy comes from, mainly because it's just too damn complicated for me to put into words. On the outside, my work is what it is and I've been content with it being that way. This time around, however, an explanation needs to accompany this current series of work for it to be complete - in my mind anyway. I'm just at a different place right now.
Simply put, the work that I produce is a "clearing of the mind" for me. I live with a constant flow of thoughts and ideas that pretty much consume my mind. It's intense mental energy - good and bad - and sometimes it's overwhelming. I create the things that I create to free up my mind when it gets too full.
I experienced a bit of a meltdown this past December. 2010 had left me buried under a big pile of shit and it just became a little too overwhelming for me. I survived that moment in time. I took a break and now I'm spitting out all of the shit that's in my head, just like I've done with every other project in the past. It's a crazy mix of thoughts and ideas, positive and negative, and it needs to go.
It's always been this way for me. I don't have a catalogue. I don't have point and click ordering. I don't mass produce the same images over and over again. I simply hit the release valve on my brain, create a collection of work, and make space for the next project. That's why my work takes on a different form each time that I show a collection. The work that I produce is essentially my sketchbook. Once I've cleared my mind, I generally don't like to go back and revisit the moment, especially if it's a moment that has had a damaging effect on me.
I've often had people say to me, "I loved the stuff that you were doing last year..." While that means a lot to me, the fact is that I've done it and it's time to do something else. Once I've started something new, it's hard to go back.
This new series that I'm creating for the Fearrington Folk Art Show in February is simply the next generation of work. You'll see some of the same characters that you've seen before and you'll see some new ones. They're just done differently. The new series is called "Manipulation". The figures have taken the form of marionettes or puppets. They are articulated and more animated. They are controlled, posed and almost robotic. I have taken on the role of the puppet maker and master - the manipulator. I'm taking control back.
The work reflects the damage and pain of being on the receiving end of emotional manipulation. It reflects my attempt at healing. You'll see this in the figures, the textures, and the materials. I've tried to inject my humor into the work as I always do - it's my way of coping. They still are what they are and what they've always been - decorative objects meant to be enjoyed by someone. There's just a little more to the story this time. In order for me to move forward with my life, I needed to release the meaning behind the work.
I hope that you'll find it to be the best work that you've seen from me so far. See you in February.
B
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