New York isn’t just where I was born and raised. It is the city that has cultivated and influenced my style and art – an amalgam of juxtapositions; where sleek and seedy coexists organically. A city in which stunning skyscrapers lead to contrasting alleyways, steel structures shine alongside multi-layered peeling walls, and fresh concrete sets alongside shabby storefronts.
My installation is an invitation to view, feel, and engage the emotions of a stranger: “Reflections…to become a part of me, my thoughts, my expressions and my surroundings as I am a part of you, the viewer.” Inspired by – and derived from – reflective surfaces. Graffiti-covered storefronts. Public restroom mirrors inscribed with scratched and/or painted-on messages. If it’s reflective, it becomes my canvas.
In the wake of its “destruction,” a stranger’s message transforms a reflective surface (inadvertently or not) into one that intrudes on our reflections, thereby imposing upon us to become part of their message.
It is both incredibly poetic, and a fitting narrative of life: Each of our actions will create a cause and an effect. Wittingly or unwittingly, we inherit the residuals of each other’s imprints. Our messages. Our reflections. Good or bad, unknown or familiar...we are inherently connected. We are mere (and mirror) reflections of each other...all part of one community. One society. One world. My world is your world. Relatable.
My art process begins with the elegance of a mirror, which is then destroyed and reconstructed – or “reimagined.” The “deconstruction” process may include stripping with acid and/or bleach, followed by scraping, scratching, painting, peeling, and colliding construction. Reconstruction may include spray-paints, acrylics, ink, oil paint, house paint, resin, silver/ copper/ gold leaf, tape and paper. My choice of subject comes from a place of emotion, fueled by an impetuous desire to share the stories that unfold around me. My choice of medium comes from a place of intuition, a desire to build human awareness, and sensitivity towards one another. My work’s intention is to show you, my viewers, that your reflection is a part of my imprint. My message: “Your reflection is now a part of my story, as my story is now a part of your reflection.” You, the viewer, in turn, become an object d’art. Part of my artwork.
