Spirit Indestructible, 2014

Event Center A & B

My artwork is an expression of my modern mythology through the consumption of sacred histories and junk subculture. Though the nature of myth is founded in factual untruths, it speaks of truths about our relationships to society, culture, each other, the surrounding universe, and ourselves. The shrine-like assemblage sculptures are inspired by anime, manga, video games as well as mythology and mysticism. I begin each project with research into a particular character or series, gods and goddesses, mythological creatures, and mystical correspondences to draw symbolic connections to the determined theme. This brings in a creditability or ‘divine linage’, which serves as the catalyst in the consequent reactions that fuels the development of the piece. Each assemblage juxtaposes a variety of repurposed objects to venerate my pantheon of beloved action figures. My ritual for selecting materials involves searching eBay for used actions figures, sifting through piles of junk at thrift stores and yard sales, as well as searching for flowers and lapidary rock sources online and in retail stores. The re-contextualization of these elements of popular culture form new cultural manifestations that more accurately represent the complex system of values and beliefs at the level of the individual. It also complicates the traditional categorizations of high and low art by using a variety of materials not normally associated with fine art, specifically the use of action figures. This practice attempts to demystify the veil that separates the experiential and the transcendent.