The Oregon College of Art and Craft 2005 Senior Residency 
Portland, Oregon

During the summer of 2005, for a six-week period, I was provided the resources and equipment to push my work in new directions while interacting with students and faculty.  I used this period of time to share ideas and inspiration while working in on-campus studios to concentrate on a proposed body of work.

As a mix media artist I use the handmade brush as a core idea to make art.  Using a variety of recycled natural materials, my art has incorporated installation and performance art to convey the idea of the brush in relation to the tool and body as art.

As a direct influence from the ideas above, A body of work entitled, "A Brush With Death: A Homage" was refined and investigated during this residency.  This body of work combines the hair, feathers, photographs and written statistical documentation of creatures that have died with finished brush handles and one-brush stroke ink paintings.

This work is and an ongoing four-year time based work that will include 100 various types of birds, insects and larger animals found during my various travels. My final goal for this body of work is to create a published book in conjunction with a formal gallery show tour. 

I addition to the time based ideas; the exploration of ceramic raku vessels and the exploration of dying and manipulating fabric was explored.  A variety of contrasting hand made brushes were constructed in relation to each given series.