Artist Statement
“Gentleman, you can’t fight in here! This is the war room!”—Dr Strangelove
There has never been a time when the human race has had so much information about our planet. In fact, our planet has been extensively studied and documented by prominent scientific organizations, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), World Meteorological Organization (WMO), American Meteorological Society (AMS), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), to name just a few. As a result of this extensive research, we know unequivocally that our planet’s climate is changing.
Despite the overwhelming evidence and agreement amongst scientists, these warnings seem to miss their mark. My work at it’s core addresses climate change and the effects of global warming based on science. I seek to engage the everyday person with this evidence using dark humor and satire. Comedies, such as
Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964), inspire me. Most recently I’m influenced by Anthony Dunne, Fiona Raby, and the textbook they co-wrote called Speculative Everything. Some of their projects include creating an object one can interact with, or easily imagine one-selves interacting with. The object represents one possible future.
In addition to the influences of Dunne and Raby I also draw inspiration from The Yes Men (The Yes Men are a culture jamming activist duo and network of supporters created by Jacques Servin and Igor Vamos). Through actions of tactical media, the Yes Men primarily aim to raise awareness about problematic social and political issues.
My work is meant to be seen and interacted with by anyone who happens by. I want the viewer of my work to fully interact in an immersive way and It is my hope that through well-researched projects and public sculpture that dark humor can be a form of activism.
“Every Object Tells a story”— Henry Ford
Education
University Of Florida , Gainesville, Florida — MFA in Graphic Design Spring 2020
University Of Florida , Gainesville, Florida — BFA in Creative Photography 1996
Experience
Teaching Lab Specialist,University of Florida, 2001-Present
Technician for Design and Art + Technology. Demoed and assisted with all technology related to classrooms and labs in these two areas.
Adjunct Instructor — University of Florida, 2009-2011
Taught an introductory technology course called Workshop In Fundamentals of Technology(WIFT) course for Freshmen and Sophomores.
Graduate Research Focus
My research is informed by Speculative and Generative Design. I merge the two disciplines to form new ideas and objects.
Professional Service
2013- 2016 Technical Assistant to Arnold Meshes
Helped scan and organize images for his book “a life's work”
Exhibitions
1996 Student Juried exhibition
2005 Technically Speaking University of Florida Focus Gallery
Skills
2d and 3d Design, Java and Python programming, Adobe Creative Suite. Digital Fabrication.
Certifications
Final Cut Pro 101 certification, Network +, A+, Apple Certified Desktop Technician,
Dell Certified Desktop Technician