Studio Direct 2023
Experimentation is one of my favorite parts of the creative process. One thing I’ve been really interested in for a long time is how to successfully utilize words in my visual artwork.
In my studio, 2017
At first I used words to enhance the images, and tell a richer story.
Ink drawing on paper and page from my art book Gone
In 2016 I started focusing more intentionally on words. I refined my hand-writing into a recognizable aesthetic and created minimal compositions that were all about the text.
Three early word paintings on canvas
I began to create wider breadth of meaning by giving the words space to connect and interact. It felt like a multi-dimensional poetry, written through art.
A part of my multi-room installation at The Mine Factory Gallery, Pittsburgh, PA
My text work has been some of my most successful, and has led to opportunities like an installation at Pittsburgh Center Arts and Media, and a collaboration with Fallingwater.
Two pieces from my installation at Pittsburgh Center for Arts and Media
I first experimented with dividing rearranging text elements in 2017. It felt very different from what I had been making, and I knew it was an important development. I kept this concept on the back-burner until the time was right.
Left: My original word abstraction experiment / Right: A Scattered Thought painting in progress.
Cutting up the words feels breaking tiles for a mosaic. The work is some of the most tactile that I make.
The text becomes something new, while the message of the piece remains, much like a secret or intimate knowledge.
Not sure what you’d say through a painting like this? I assist clients with pinpointing a meaningful phrase and/or help develop it based on our conversations. Since the message is abstracted, people have tended to say things that are:
Very vulnerable, wanting to be said but not to everyone.
Full of personal meaning but not necessarily needing to be spelled out literally.
Something that’s hard to say, but still needs to be said.
Tongue in cheek, funny statements.
Thoughts to be shared, in conversations inspired by the painting.
I love creating titles for abstract works, and this feels like something between that and the literalness of word paintings. It’s a sweet spot and I’m really interested in seeing where I can take this.
Scattered Thoughts No. 5: Tell ‘em how you really feel.
This year I am pre-selling a small number of these paintings, as part of a special project.
Making Meaning is your chance to support an emerging local artist, to endorse creative pursuit, and to ensure that you are getting the year’s only direct discount on my paintings. Making Meaning brings together a community of people eager to invest in art in a new & exciting way.
CONTEXT
What does your investment do for me?
This funding provides me with the foundation needed for a dedicated studio practice. As a partner, you’ll become a participant in my creative process. We’ll have a consultation and a mid-year check in where we will work together to plan the aesthetic of the artwork and determine the message behind the work.
Scattered Thoughts No 5: Secretly wondering if the world will last long enough for my kids, let alone my grandkids.
Participation in this program is fundamental in creating the structure I need to continue this momentum towards a fully-realized, professional studio practice and is essential to my growth as an emerging artist. While we won’t be making the physical work together, your input is directly inspiring the artwork, and your involvement directly moves my practice forward.
WORKING TOGETHER
This is the only time that my paintings will be available at a direct discount. The Patrons who invest in this program will be forming a partnership with me.
We will be working together to make a mutual investment in the success of this art. That investment will only grow as this program gains momentum and my career moves forward.
NETWORKING
By establishing personal relationships with collectors in several major US cities, I hope to strengthen my professional network, and see an increase in national opportunities. The exposure and proof-of-concept gained from this yearlong program will help to increase the value of my work in the future.
RELATIONSHIP
ARTIST EXPECTATIONS
WELCOME PACKET
contract
program overview
INITIAL STUDIO VISIT
review and discuss recent work
ARTWORK COMPLETED
before or by 1 year from signed agreement
artwork signed with certificate of authenticity
PATRON EXPECTATIONS
SIGNED CONTRACT
with full or initial payment
INITIAL STUDIO VISIT (online or IRL)
review and discuss recent work
SUPPORT ARTIST WITH:
professional networking
business strategy
FINAL STUDIO VISIT
review/select your final piece
Enjoy your Artwork!
BUDGET
What will your money be used for?
SURVIVAL
A large portion of the STUDIO DIRECT budget goes towards necessities like paying rent & utilities for where I sleep and make art. If this program succeeds it will generate ⅔ of my yearly salary. The stability provided by this income frees me up for additional income streams like design projects, murals, and commissions.
MATERIALS
Art supplies add up quickly! Your funding helps me cover costs of wooden panels, paper, paint, drawing materials, adhesives, etc.
CAREER
From time to time I hire an assistant to help with the prep work and transporting work , Making Meaning Funding also helps to cover other professional costs such as grant writing, framing, fabrication and installation.
MARKETING
Professional marketing is how I reach larger audiences. Proper documentation of my work is very important. Part of this budget goes towards photography, production and advertising for various projects over the course of the year, as well as crucial tools and services like a professional website and graphic design/photo editing software.
Studio Space Secured In-kind
I have received access to a space, free of charge for the duration of the year. This saves me approximately $3,500
