Anti-state

2020

Photography book

Donald Trump promised law and order but he delivered lawlessness and chaos. His failed philosophy and inept leadership was on full display across the country this summer. The political protests instigated by the murder of George Floyd at the hands of police illustrate the tenous foundation of hierarchy, dominance, and submission that informs contemporary society. It revealed our concept of democracy and consent is superficial at best and bolstered by repressive elements antithetical to freedom, expression and safety. Ultimately, investing in sadomasochism as a security force is unsustainable and untenable. We must deviate and evolve to prevent another civil war, world war, or worse nuclear holocaust. The recipe for revolution is one that has been used by activists throughout history. This work illustrates some of the ingredients present in this summer's protests. The protests were a caustic mix of anarchism and contempt for hierarchy, racial justice in the form of Black Lives Matter, iconoclastic destruction of sacred symbols and icons, Marxist organizing and hindered by the ever present surveillance state. Success will be determined by how eloquently and effectively we can utilize these forces in concert.

EcoLogical

Reclaimed metal, Plastic, Photography book

3.5’ x 2’ x 1.5’

Conceptually we enact a barrier between “self” and “environment: but in reality, these experiences are intertwined. These logical and psychological constructs and distinctions prevent us from inspecting our surroundings fully and keep things hidden from view. The result is a psychological cage that traps our thinking and gives rise to problems like climate change, mental health stigmas, addictions, and denial.

In drawing attention to the ecological crisis facing our planet, this project explores the feeling of being trapped, caged, or blocked and the liberation from these boundaries and confines. A couple of years ago I had an intense psychological experience and ended up manically journalling and writing down theories and concepts. When I had this psychological breakthrough I felt like I had passed through a gate of sorts. The drawings in this book are mined from notebooks and papers I kept during that time period.

It was liberating to reveal these chaotic inner thoughts and ideas racing through my mind and put them into the context of nature. There are consequences, because of this link between self and environment, to our own well being when we treat the environment poorly and likewise cultivating respect for our own existence can translate into a healing force for the environmental crisis we face.

Asking for It (Help)

Reclaimed Metal, Fabric

5’ x 2.5’

Habits can be hard to break. A lot of people are in the habit of not asking for help when they need it. It can be hard to ask for help or admit that you have a problem. When it comes to the environment though, we need help. We need help confronting the crisis and we need help to solve it. To me sustainability is about being willing to ask for help when you need it and being able to help others when they are asking for it. This piece takes an image that usually symbolizes pride and victory, a flag, and appropriates it into a symbol of vulnerability. The letters S.O.S. get lost in the floral print of the flag much like our own planet’s “SOS” is inaccessible to some.

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