THE TIE THAT BINDS
This series pursues an awareness of mortality and explores self-perception. Painting my family’s personal observations of their own experiences – often with trauma, disease and recovery – my work reflects a longing to empathize with them.
Having requested that my far-away family photograph critical and daily events, they choose how they want to represent themselves based on what they think is important that I see. From the photos they send to me, I develop images that represent my perception of their experiences.
Painting their experience allows me to picture myself in it, though I am removed from the event. With saturated color and contrast, the brushstrokes disintegrate into vulnerable flesh. Through this process, the image describes a psychological space between invitation and repulsion. Drawing from a shared history, my paintings connect with and filter moments of anxious familiarity.
2011, oil on metrocard, 2 x 3.5 in. (5.5 x 8.5 cm)