I am fascinated with symbolism as it applies to the notion of visual metaphor. I am generally not concerned with ancient symbolism to be found in a depiction of say, Atalanta’s golden apples. While the morals that drive Atalanta’s sad fable are intriguing, I feel that the use of ancient symbols are often too arcane to use as contemporary references. My aim is to engage the modern viewer using a symbolism that can create more readily accessible narratives. It is interesting to note that the symbolism to which I aspire is often transient, depending greatly on context and syntax, rather than an emblematic meaning that has been prescribed to a given object.

At times, objects have been repeated in a number of pieces. This is largely done in the hope that the varying contexts from piece to piece will imbue it with distinctly different symbolism. For example, a figurative element that may be construed as heroic in one context might seem villainous in another. I feel that each piece offers a rather clear narrative that needs little help in its conveyance. However, despite this, I have been unable to resist adding titles that indicate my interpretation of each scenario. You will note that each title includes a parenthetical second title, which simply serves to inventory the major objects used in each piece. I have added this to remind the viewer that the symbolism lies not in the objects themselves, so much as in the combination and arrangement of these objects.

Background colors are generally modified from their observed state. This is done to create or enhance formal tensions that aid in the piece’s ability to engage and convey. This is largely an instinctive effort and is determined by a ponderous perusal of the image as it nears completion. My discovery of the figurines in this work has been a revelation to me. I have found it greatly satisfying to have a new subject matter that allows me to utilize my figurative skills, which to this point, had generally been reserved for academic practice throughout my professional career. This mode of work seems to offer limitless combinations and opportunities for expression of ideas. I look forward to continuing in this general direction for quite some time, already having a number of new pieces on the drawing board.