Out Here In The Middle

My recent work explores the stereotypes and standards that deal with the notions of the heroic verses the false prophet.  This can range from the exploration and re-conceptualization of historical figures or an examination of other characters deriving from our culture.  Examples include criminals, outlaws, family members, and other general power authorities, such as soldiers and military guises.  The characters are then placed in various narratives, sometimes cooperating, sometimes battling against each other, that demonstrate the political, spiritual, and mental aspects that create identity in and culture.  The formal placement of the figures in the compositions also set up a play on words as to the identity of the figures as they arrive at whatever narrative is being built.  This includes left verses right, the heavenly verses the damned, and everything else that happens in the "middle".

The works serve as testimonies, fantasies, and predictions of the future advancement and past deliverance of a culture constantly in flux that seems to repeat its own savagery through new means.  These are created from myths, legends, and historical facts, as well as personal narratives and experiences, fitting the oral tradition that is the South.  The work demonstrates the sublime and abject nature of our culture.

Formally, the work serves as a homogeny of different visual elements.  I use aspects of illustration, surrealism, futurism, comics, lowbrow, and folk art to create the work.  There is also a strong tendency to build narrative and composition out of pattern and design.  The work for this show exists in the form of drawings, paintings, and ceramics.