The form emerges as a primitive unfiltered thought, often raw and disturbing.

Loathsome Creatures examines the vulnerable side of creatures commonly hated or distrusted. Societal stereotypes perpetuate an ever-increasing cast system of poverty in America. The sculptural works in this exhibition attempt to probe uncommon perceptions providing empathy for the viewer. Many of the works in the exhibit show the visceral experience of the American power system through both the eyes of the empowered and the marginalized individual. The delicate balance of self-acceptance and self-judgment play out before the viewer in a display of complete openness and vulnerability exposing my personal battle for growth and change as a mirror for all human experience.

Within a single thought layers of emotion, cognition, associations, and historical patterns emerge. Each element is a product of the psyche’s internal struggle with the external environment. My figurative ceramic sculpture explores the world of psychological conflict as it presents itself in my life. Clay as a medium enhances regression and provides a direct relationship between intuition and memory. The rough surface quality lends a sense of the surreal and adds an atmosphere heavy with emotion. As an art therapist I am profoundly intrigued by the connections between image and unconscious processes. My work exists as a psychological self-portrait at one precise moment in time. The form emerges as a primitive unfiltered thought, often raw and disturbing. I allow the images to flow out unanalyzed and unchanged in an effort to retain the real emotion at the root of the idea. Through this course of creation, I hope to connect with the viewer on an intimate level, encouraging them to explore their own internal psychological processes. Once accomplished the layers of defense will be peeled away exposing the honesty of the human condition.

artist's notes from the gallery exhibition

"Loathsome Creatures"

July 1-30, 2005

The Clay Art Center

Port Chester, New York