Artist Statement

Subject and Inspiration

The Mule Ear Series is a collection of drawings and mixed media paintings, each piece inspired by the woolly mule ear, a native perennial herb within the Sunflower family. My artistic journey began on the trails of Salt Lake City, Utah, where I found solace and connection to myself and the divine, often accompanied by my family.

During these hikes, my gaze often drifts downward, drawn to the intricate textures of the earth - the cracks in the dirt, the crevices in the rocks, and the changing leaf textures that mirrored the seasons. It was during the fall and winter months that I became enamored with the woolly mule ear leaves. In their death, they transformed into a yellow ochre color, crisp to the touch, a testament to their history and the beauty they once held. This transformation intrigued me, as the plant, once resembling a sunflower with its large, bold leaves, now seemed overlooked and forgotten.

Process

The Mule Ear Series is a testament to this transformation. Through layers of paint and mixed media, I explore the life and death of the woolly mule ear, capturing its essence and history. Each piece is an evolution, guided by a set of rules or systems that I establish at the beginning of the process. These systems allow the artwork to take on a life of its own, with my role as a facilitator guiding the journey. As the layers build, I respond to the composition, adding details and harmonies to create a unified piece.

The series is a juxtaposition of loose and tight mark-making, creating a flow that guides the viewer throughout the artwork. The contrast between the human hand and nature's organic nature is evident in every piece, highlighting the reciprocal relationship between the artist and the subject. My work is experimental, playing with forms, lines, shapes, materials, and tonalities to bring a new visual language to life.

The Mule Ear Series is a celebration of life, death, and transformation, capturing the beauty and history of the woolly mule ear in every stroke.