It all began with black found objects. Black represents many ideas, thoughts and feelings about wealth and power, black evening gowns, formal black tie events, black velvet, seduction and beauty. Images arose around death, mourning, widows, black veils, women in the Middle East, mysteries and deep dark secrets. Examples of leather jackets, rebels, black armbands, oppression, black sheep and domination found in our society. Impressions of the midnight sky, black cats, witches, magic and rituals unfolded
My art challenges our concepts about what is traditionally considered utilitarian as opposed to decorative and what is masculine versus feminine. This black series investigates gender roles, class structure, and stereotypes as determined by the dominant society. Often I reclaim and recycle articles that have been tossed aside by society, labeled as unimportant and give them a new function. For instance, tires are cast off in piles; they are black, utilitarian, masculine and represent the working class. I like to push these materials to the point where the assembled parts take on a life of their own and are transformed into a work of art.