For centuries, the globe has been host to the finest collection of geometric abstract artists: tribal communities. From the most remote regions of Africa to the emerald canopies of the Great Northwest, traditional tribesmen and their families have mastered the use of organic and geometric spaces. Totem poles in Washington, ceremonial figures of Western Africa, vibrant mosaics by Australian aborigines, even the cave paintings of our earliest ancestors relied heavily on flattened, simplified forms that communicated on a breathtaking visio- spiritual spectrum. For this reason alone, I have grown to respect, admire and even imitate their unique style of shape and composition.
My work acts as a powerful juxtaposition: Urban Grunge vs. Tribal Tradition, and Ancestral Style vs. Modern Simplicity. The use of inexpensive materials – plywood and spray paint – renders the icons as an approachable entity, fragile yet unimposing.
Urban Shine: A Northwest Perspective shines the spotlight on Northwest tribal styles and motifs, drawing off local legendary icons (Wolf, Eagle and Salmon) and reinventing their image in a modern, graphically-oriented fashion. The sculptures are not traditional. Instead, they are the vision of a contemporary, urban counterpart as created in the mind of a graphic designer.
Detail, Eagle Figure
Detail, Wolf Figure
Detail, Wolf Figure
Salmon Figure set for cutting with scroll saw
