FLORAL FAUNA

Paper and writing instruments are mediums that have remained immediate to me throughout my life, and some of my earliest hobbies were drawing and origami. With these pieces I am connecting these comforting processes to the skills and themes I have been developing in my artistic practice.

The ink drawings are expanding layers of arches inspired by flower petals and trees viewed from above. The drawings in blue ink are sprawling, spontaneous forms intended to be folded into cubes. With these, I am continuing to look for ways that my drawings can gain dimension and become sculptures.

The black ink drawings utilize variations on the expanding layers of arches rule to create a range of shades and textures. These contrasting values and textures are used to make cumulative drawings of animals. The armadillo as a subject is inspired by the curling motion of the cube folds. Like how an armadillo curls into a ball to defend itself, the folding and layering that turns a flat sheet of paper into a cube feels as if the paper is protecting itself or something inside of it. And the moth drawing reflects my continued interest in animals and insects using eye spots as a defense mechanism.

These sculptural drawings use the conscious coping mechanism of rhythmic, meditative, repetitive action to expose subconscious defense mechanisms. The paper folding over into itself mimics the way living creatures tense and curl up in stressful situations. And the stylized interpretations of flora and fauna uncover an escape into imagination.