Conversations

The series Conversations represents a significant new direction in portraiture. In a sharp departure from the single image, Conversations, through multiple images per subject addresses time, space, context and the act of conversing in the enterprise of revealing true character.

Conversations, a room size installation with selections from the series, includes a mix of sizes, media, and subject. Individual iris prints in the 5 and 7 image large panels are mounted and floated off a wall, creating a sense of floating in time and space. Unglazed, the images, photographically-based and digitally printed on heavy water-color paper with feathered edges, have the immediacy of photography with a painterly sensuality. The panels and prints of 28 images, in both gelatin silver and inkjet archival media, are generally exhibited glazed, with simple black or white gallery frames.

The installation is offered in conjunction with choices of wall text panels (essays by internationally-recognized curators, an essay by the artist explaining her creative choices and techniques, a selection of relevant poems and quotes relating to portraiture), and an upcoming publication with an essay by Alison Nordstrom.

The series offers a wide range of curatorial choice, with selections of sizes, media, and subject type to suit constituency, space, and work from other artists. One option, featured in the artist's concept below, showcases different sizes, ages, and genders for a broad audience. It encourages viewers' physical engagement, moving closer and back to gain insight and perspective. In an upcoming exhibition, the artist is custom-tailoring the works to suit the space in collaboration with the gallery owner. In the interest of preserving the sense of confessional sanctuary elicited by the work, the artist believes that final installation choices of sizes and pieces work best when they are at one with the space at hand.

Conversations is also an outstanding choice for themed group exhibitions that address identity, gender, portraiture, grid structure, how and what we see, performance, self-esteem, body language, psychology, narrative and story-telling, and how we form impressions of others or ourselves. For instance, works may be selected that focus on women, men, seniors, or young adults.

The artist is available to talk, travel, and formulate associated programs that address the interest of the exhibitors' constituencies. One program might tie in to local education interests, with high school literature or psychology classes writing stories or essays as they view the installation, followed by readings and discussion.

Please contact the artist for inquiries, a prospectus, or further information about installation tasks, costs, or logistics.