I posted my artist statement last week on the Gallery 1300 website to promote my upcoming show. Some of you have had conversations with me about how confusing my statement is. I can agree with your confusion. The purpose for my statement was to gain interest, promote, and cause intrigue with this show. I have been working on this for several months now and have been working diligently on making this a reality. A statement at this point is just a teaser. If I was extremely literal with my statement, I believe there would be no interest in actually seeing the show. Some of you may require me to use such language as “I painted 10 pieces. I used Mixed Media. I am making a show about a family. I want to demonstrate how families (from an outsider’s perspective) sometimes seem perfect until you actually become a part of that family.” But I didn’t. Here is my statement. I added comments because it seems some of you need to be fed a bit.

“Spawning from somewhere and someone; yet failing to feel connected.” As many of you know, I am adopted. Spawning from somewhere. Being a part of a “foreign family,” wouldn’t it seem obvious for my need of connection?

“The subtle surface transparencies plague the family unit and boundaries surrounding each member are strengthened.” On the “surface” many families seem better than the family you are in. I constantly hear people say, “they are such a close family” or “What a perfect family.” I disagree. As you move closer into that family, they are just as dysfunctional as everyone else.

“This exhibit utilizes paints and mixed media to represent these characters. Using the gallery walls as a home for this family, the artist transplants the observer within the role of the storyteller. From a distance all appears normal but as the proximity to each individual increases perceived distortions are revealed.” I hope you can understand that this is a prelude to the show. You can not possibly understand this unless you are physically there. This is a statement for the solution to my problem which is to allow the viewer to stand at a distance and see the normalcy of a family. As the viewer walks closer to the work, they see the internal structure of that family.

Look. This is an art show. I am a designer. Did you think I was going to be that literal with my statement? Come on. It’s art.