Makeovers:

The process for these pieces begins with the hunt for the right funky old print. I comb thrift stores and flea markets, the internet, and antique stores.  I love the idea of salvaging a junky old print and (re)turning it into a “masterpiece.” I use primarily prints of work, and I often refurbish the frames and hanging hardware. Inspired by my background in graffiti, the characters are drawn directly onto the paintings using pen and paint-pen.

2.5D:

These pieces are constructed through a unique process of collage. They are sometimes mistaken for tile or glass, but they are actually made on wood covered with a thick glossy resin. I paint the backgrounds of my work, often using my test papers, or pieces of thread from the process of making other work. I like the unselfconscious appearance of the scribbles and ink dots, and the philosophy of using my process materials in the finished piece.

Once I have a background, I hand draw each element of the character on various papers. Body parts, Sewn clothing, costumes, and other details are all stacked on top of each other to create the single image. I use foam core to enhance the 3D quality of the work. Finally, they are covered in resin. Each piece will cure for 72 hours before I can add wire backs to finish the piece.

Leroy, Lola, and Future Monsters:

I was not an art major in college. I graduated from Reed College in 2007 with a degree in Anthropology. This education, the study of humans, is truly the lens through which I view my art.

My creative process always leads me to the library, and recently, I have begun some pretty interesting research on monsters. As I continue to explore my “Makeover” series, I will be incorporating my own renditions of obscure creatures in mythology from all over the world. “Flaming Teeth” A humanoid monster from Fiji, and “Kirin” a hybrid dragon, unicorn, lion, deer from Japan–just to name a couple! Sometimes the mythologies are quite specific about their dwelling places; my hope is to find landscapes that accurately portray the monsters’ habitat.

People often ask, “why Leroy’s Place?” Leroy Brown and Lola Carahmel are my first characters, and my ongoing experiment. They are not just two-dimentional images; they have personalities, and histories, likes, dislikes, and Facebook pages. New Orleans, LA is the home of these two characters, and befittingly, they are sometimes crass, over the top, and often in costume. Lola is a hot mess, and Leroy is a die-hard Saints fan. They are dynamic characters; the king and queen of this little art castle. They are my outlet to explore the more human side of my art, and are often manifested in darker, more serious art pieces.

Menagerie:

Among humans, I respect children tremendously. The work I do with animals is much inspired by their vast imaginations. I try to embody the silliness and ease of a child’s play with each of my animals. When kids are drawing stuff, they say things like, “this is a zebra crossed with a magical horse and he shoots fireballs and his name is ice cream.” Brilliant, that’s exactly what I’m trying to preserve under all that shiny goop.

I am currently working on launching a children’s line that will incorporate all of these silly characters. Look out for plush pillows of characters and coloring books coming soon!