Collage

Flying Formation, 2014

FF Header

FF-insta_iphoneAn exhibition on Instagram

Lately I’ve been interested in pursuing new routes of engagement in my creative output. Changing up not only my art-making activity, but also reconsidering my standards of presentation and promotion.

When I started making these digital collages of “found” images (taken from Google searches and friends’ Facebook and Instagram feeds), I knew they would be presented only digitally. I did not want to make another precious thing for sale.

Eventually I chose my Instagram feed as the right exhibition space, and would, as a sort of durational performance, post the images over the course of two hours during Seattle’s First Thursday Art Walk. Following contemporary standards, I encouraged people to check it out with a Facebook event, but excluded any telling information and images. #gabbo

When the evening came, I got myself setup at a favorite bar where, lit blue by iPhone and Macbook, I posted an image. Every ten minutes, I composed another—using Instagram’s filters and editor to finish each piece.

(mainlining the secret truths of the universe)

(mainlining the secret truths of the universe)

People engaged in the set actively as I posted. In my home feed, the images mixed with shots of other work, tangible work, lining the walls of proper art spaces.

I drank two whiskey-gingers and ate a plate of fries with garlic aioli.

flying

flying

is

is

learning

learning

how

how

to

to

throw

throw

yourself

yourself

at

at

the

the

ground

ground

and

and

miss.

miss.

When I wrapped things up with the final title image, I closed my computer and put away my phone. Still alone at the bar, I felt newly connected to my art and community, rejuvenated and altogether satisfied with a successful project.

(thank you for joining me)

(thank you for joining me)

More: / /

Grounds, 2013

Embroidered schoolroom map collage, 80 x 29-1/2"

Embroidered schoolroom map collage, 80 x 29-1/2″

A commissioned piece highlighting coffee growing regions of the world.

On display in the backspace of a local coffee establishment.

View work details »

More: /

We Begin to Wake, 2013

We Begin to Wake 1. Hand-embroidered paper collage, 19 x 14 inches.

We Begin to Wake 1. Hand-embroidered paper collage, 19 x 14 inches.

Responding directly to an earlier piece,

These two new works are a rare sort for me: abstractions which attempt to convey meaning. Earlier this year I was asked to create a piece for Chamber Music, an exhibition at Frye Art Museum featuring 36 artists “who contribute to activities which strengthen Seattle’s art community.” My piece was about our community existing between great times, like a seed, pregnant with life, lying in wait in the darkness.

For a new show at SAM Gallery, I was asked to create a few new works in the same aesthetic style. I decided to work not only with the aesthetic, but also the meaning, so these two are about growth in that darkness; a slow, deliberate rebirth.

We Begin to Wake 2. Hand-embroidered paper collage, 19 x 14 inches.

We Begin to Wake 2. Hand-embroidered paper collage, 19 x 14 inches.

The show continues through August 17, 2013.

 

More: /

Inertia, 2013

Inertia No. 6, 2013, hand-embroidered paper collage, 17 x 14 inches

Inertia No. 6, 2013, hand-embroidered paper collage, 17 x 14 inches

solo show at LxWxH, July 2013

In this series, I’m pushing the aesthetics of the Connotations series to new places with larger, more elaborately embroidered collage.

The exhibition also features three experiments with site-specific installation.

Inertia No. 10, 2013, hand-embroidered paper collage, 24 x 19 inches

Inertia No. 10, 2013, hand-embroidered paper collage, 24 x 19 inches

Inertia No. 12, 2013, hand-embroidered paper collage, 19 x 16 inches

Inertia No. 12, 2013, hand-embroidered paper collage, 19 x 16 inches

Inertia No. 9, 2013, hand-embroidered paper collage, 17 x 14 inches

Inertia No. 9, 2013, hand-embroidered paper collage, 17 x 14 inches

Inertia No. 11, 2013, hand-embroidered paper collage, 19 x 19 inches

Inertia No. 11, 2013, hand-embroidered paper collage, 19 x 19 inches

Inertia No. 13, 2013, hand-embroidered paper collage, 19 x 15 inches

Inertia No. 13, 2013, hand-embroidered paper collage, 19 x 15 inches

Inertia No. 4, 2013, hand-embroidered paper collage, 12 x 12 inches

Inertia No. 4, 2013, hand-embroidered paper collage, 12 x 12 inches

Inertia No. 8, 2013, hand-embroidered paper collage, 14 x 14 inches

Inertia No. 8, 2013, hand-embroidered paper collage, 14 x 14 inches

Inertia No. 7, 2013, hand-embroidered paper collage, 14 x 14 inches

Inertia No. 7, 2013, hand-embroidered paper collage, 14 x 14 inches

Inertia No. 3, 2013, hand-embroidered paper collage, 14 x 11 inches

Inertia No. 3, 2013, hand-embroidered paper collage, 14 x 11 inches

Inertia No. 2, 2013, hand-embroidered paper collage, 24 x 19 inches

Inertia No. 2, 2013, hand-embroidered paper collage, 24 x 19 inches

Inertia (On the Wall), site-specific installation of embroidered paper, pushpins and yarn, 80 x 80 inches

Inertia (On the Wall), site-specific installation of embroidered paper, pushpins and yarn, 80 x 80 inches

Installation view at LxWxH Gallery

Installation view at LxWxH Gallery

 

Untitled installation, pushpins and yarn, 12 x 96 inches

Untitled installation, pushpins and yarn, 12 x 96 inches

Untitled installation, pushpins and yarn, 24 x 24 inches

Untitled installation, pushpins and yarn, 24 x 24 inches

 

More: / /

Debutantes EP Cover, 2013

Hand-embroidered paper collage, 8-1/2 x 8-1/2 inches.

Hand-embroidered paper collage, 8-1/2 x 8-1/2 inches. Photo by Don Ornitz.

The first in a series of covers for upcoming releases from Seattle band Vaudeville Etiquette

The EP will be released May 21 and the band and I will celebrate on the following night at Tractor Tavern.

More: /