Creative Statement
With a foundation in graphic design, my work initially focused on digitally manipulated imagery. Over time, I moved away from the computer, incorporating watercolors, doodles, and collage to blend organic elements with the concept of the machine as a creative tool. This evolution led to letterpress printing, where I merge traditional and contemporary techniques to explore themes of humor, irony, and overconsumption in the context of technology and media. In the last few years, I have explored the integration of moving images and augmented reality layers to further explore bridging the analog and the digital realms.
Drawing inspiration from observations, pop culture, and streaming thoughts, my work poses questions about the overwhelming flow of daily routines, social media, and information. How do we process or even escape this deluge? Can we construct alternate narratives or realities from it? My visual explorations—ranging from hand-printed millennial tweets to letterpress collages—reflect the stereotypes and cultural tensions of my generation while engaging with broader societal and generational dynamics, particularly the generations above and below me (Gen X and Gen Z).
As an “old millennial” raised in the rural South, I navigate the conflict between personal beliefs and the cultural expectations of my upbringing. Like many of my friends and peers, I am constantly at battle with my own beliefs in contrast with what I was told growing up and how I was raised. This dichotomy shapes my practice, where themes of place, heritage, and identity intersect the preconceived notions and stereotypes often associated with the South.
My creative process is flexible and rooted in a “collage” mindset—blending old and new elements into harmonious compositions. Letterpress printing has taught me to embrace unexpected outcomes, fostering adaptability and discovery. I apply this approach both in my work and as an educator, encouraging students to experiment and explore without rigid constraints. Ultimately, my practice explores the interplay of type and image as tools of visual communication, bridging historical and contemporary contexts. Through this lens, I aim to challenge preconceived notions, foster dialogue, and create work that balances humor,irony, and reflection.