For The Universe

Artist Statement
My art is meant to share my experience of the universe. I’m creating the absence of light in order to form light. I use materials and forms that are familiar, like ballpoint pen, circles and infinity symbols. My hand moves intuitively when applying marks, but I keep my eye open to forms I wish to convey. Through this process, I create an active relationship between the infinitely small world of details, the infinitely large world of detail-created forms, and you, the viewer.

Andromeda Galaxy

Andromeda Galaxy
Archival ink ballpoint pen on mylar and paper

This image was all about layering. I drew an image on paper and overlayed it with mylar. I then drew on both the front and back of the translucent surface to create different tones. This process was more like aquatint, so it was helpful that I've had some experience with printmaking. Three layers took three times the work, so I really got to know this image. I was happy with the illusion of space in this drawing. In person, it really feels like it's pulling you in, much like the gravity of our larger, neighboring galaxy Andromeda.

Orion's Belt

Orion's Belt
24" x 30"
Archival ink ballpoint pen on paper

This drawing was loosely based on a hubble deep space image of Orion's belt. I chose this recognizable image in order to ground the viewer with a familiar constellation. This way, one can enter a familiar image, but see it in a completely new light.

The Sky from Earth

The Sky From Earth
15"x30"
Ballpoint Pen on paper

This was the first star image I created. I spent a month drawing microscopically on this one, and every inch transported me far off into space. It was, to say the least, an intense yet calming process.

The Center of the Universe

The Center of the Universe
33"x42'' Drawing
Ballpoint Pen on Arches paper

This drawing took two months to complete, but was worth it. The process of drawing with only circles was challenging, but it was responsible for the organic quality of the image. I was pleased with the glow it created by letting the paper show through.

It shows how the universe is made of light, and that there is no dark, only the absence of light.

The Universe Within

The Universe Within

This was one of the first star images I created. I used bic ballpoint pens to build up the image of stars within a mountain scape. It reminds me of lights on a hillside, however, these lights come from within.