Artist Statement

What does one do when the beliefs one has held as truisms for this country are eroded by telling instances of prejudice, inhumane practices, injustice, and the repetition of atrocities?

I wanted to celebrate the individuals of the past and present who have fought and stood up for justice and righteous practice. I wanted to find reassurance that there are communities of individuals who are fighting for those who desperately need empathy, compassion, and justice. These are the heroes who speak for the voiceless, the disenfranchised, and those on the boundaries of society—its borders, physical or psychological. 

The United States is a place of diversity and extremes. We are a laboratory for the fight for democracy and decency for all peoples. Often, the fight is messy, difficult, contentious, painful.

Through the process of creating this exhibition, I have learned that it is critical to look inward. As painful as it may be, if I honestly recognize my internal prejudices, indiscretions, and beliefs, I can then campaign more effectively for righteous change, and break down the critical borders that are personally poignant and challenging. More than likely these borders are those that need collective attention.

I do not consider myself an activist with a loud and outspoken message. But I have learned that one can find a voice—anyone can. In my art practice, I explore the beauty of community. Communities are made up of individuals who have honed their inner beings to find a core of strength—a power they use to muster the support and solidarity needed to make a difference. 

These individuals I think of as “Transcendients”—elegant and spiritual examples of the human spirit that will move us forward to the brilliance of humankind.

Many thanks to JANM for the opportunity as an artist to present this exhibition in a cultural and educational institution. We crossed borders together.